IESO Nova Scotia’s singular focus is on delivering reliable, sustainable electricity to Nova Scotians at the best possible cost.
Engaging with the communities, Indigenous peoples, and other stakeholders we are working for is critical to our ability to achieve these results. For us, this looks like reaching out early, being responsive, listening to understand, and sharing information transparently.
We know that when we do these things:
- We better understand Nova Scotians’ perspectives
- We have the opportunity to build trust
- Our projects benefit from local knowledge
- We make more informed decisions
- We achieve outcomes that are better for electricity customers
Opportunities to Get Involved
Get in Touch
Have questions or feedback about IESO Nova Scotia or one of our projects? We welcome your input. Reach out to our team at community@ieso-ns.ca and we will be happy to help.
Upcoming Events
Past Events
Salt Springs Community Liaison Committee
February 10, 2026
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Marshdale Community Liaison Committee
January 22, 2026
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada Virtual Information Session
Marshdale / Salt Springs Proposed Fast-Acting Generation Facility
January 21, 2026
6:30 – 8:00 PM
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada Virtual Information Session
Marshdale / Salt Springs Proposed Fast-Acting Generation Facility
January 20, 2026
1:30 – 3:00 PM
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada Public Comment Period
Marshdale Proposed Fast-Acting Generation Facility
Public Notice: Marshdale Proposed Fast-Acting Generation Facility
January 5 – February 9, 2026
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada Public Comment Period
Salt Springs Proposed Fast-Acting Generation Facility
Public Notice Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility
January 5 – February 9, 2026
Environmental Assessment Public Comment Period
Marshdale Proposed Fast-Acting Generation Facility
Environmental Assessment Registration – Marshdale
December 22, 2025 to February 9, 2026
Environmental Assessment Public Comment Period
Salt Springs Proposed Fast-Acting Generation Facility
Environmental Assessment Registration – Salt Springs
December 22, 2025 to February 9, 2026
Open House
Marshdale Proposed Fast-Acting Generation Facility
November 13, 2025
Open House
Salt Springs Proposed Fast-Acting Generation Facility
November 12, 2025
Find More Information
Proposed Fast-Acting Power Generation Facility
Who is leading this project?
At this early stage, the project is being led by IESO Nova Scotia, the province’s independent, not-for-profit energy system operator. Created by the Nova Scotia legislature in 2024, IESO Nova Scotia is assuming responsibility for Nova Scotia’s bulk power system, including electricity system planning, grid interconnection assessments, procurement and real-time system operations.
What does this project include?
To help ensure electricity is available when it’s needed, IESO Nova Scotia is launching a competitive procurement process to secure at least 300 megawatts (MW) of electricity generation at the lowest possible cost to ratepayers. This project is starting the process to seek approval for up to two new fast acting natural gas generating facilities that would provide foundational power to the electrical system, as a cleaner alternative to coal and critical support for growing our use of green energies like wind and solar. To maintain a reliable and affordable electricity system, Nova Scotia needs dependable fast acting energy sources available when renewables like wind and solar aren’t able to meet demand.
Why is this needed?
Nova Scotia’s electricity system is undergoing a major transformation—driven by population growth, more homes and vehicles are using electricity instead of gas or oil, and the need to move away from Nova Scotia’s current use of coal for electricity. Under Nova Scotia’s Clean Power Plan, the province must stop using coal fired electricity by 2030 and have 80% of electricity come from renewable sources. Putting in place new cleaner sources of energy must be done in a way that’s sustainable. Critical to reliability is ensuring foundational energy sources are available when renewable energy sources, like wind and solar, aren’t available or able to meet demand.
Would the plants(s) operate all the time?
No. The kind of facility we are proposing is fast-acting, which means the power only kicks in when renewables aren’t able to meet demand. This is essential for integrating more wind and solar onto the grid and ensuring reliable electricity supply to Nova Scotians. They are not expected to run all the time and are being designed to transition to low-carbon fuels like hydrogen and biofuels in the future.
How frequently or infrequently would these plants run?
That’s difficult to forecast at this stage, but the very nature of the kind of facility we are proposing is that they only generate electricity when there is a gap in the availability of renewables. As more renewables are deployed, facilities like this one would be expected to run less, but will remain an essential tool for reliability.
Who will operate the plant(s)?
A proponent to construct and operate the plant will be identified through a competitive public procurement process, beginning with a request for expressions of interest in the project. We expect to have a possible operator selected and announced by the summer of 2026.
Where would the plant(s) be located?
The first procurement will focus on fast-acting natural gas–fired generation facilities proposed to be located in Pictou County, which will be designed, owned, and operated by a qualified independent power producer. While we are exploring whether one facility or two facilities in Pictou County makes sense, the procurement process will select one or more proponents to deliver a total of at least 300 megawatts of new capacity for the province. Environmental studies and broad community engagement will help determine whether both sites or simply one will be most suitable.
Will there be an environmental assessment?
Yes. This project requires a Class 1 Environmental Assessment (EA) in Nova Scotia.
This kind of assessment includes broad public engagement, with a generous opportunity to provide feedback. As part of this engagement IESO Nova Scotia must share information about the project’s effects, benefits, and mitigation plans, as well as how community input shaped project decisions, including design, mitigation, monitoring, and follow-up.
When would the facility(ies) be built?
Construction could begin in late 2026 with anticipated completion by 2030.
Who is being engaged?
Engagement will be broad and diverse, with a variety of opportunities to receive information and provide feedback, including open houses, written communication, online, and through a Community Liaison Committee that will be established.
How would the environment be protected?
Environmental assessments will identify potential issues before construction and, where potential impacts are identified, we will require the successful proponent to put in place effective mitigation measures to avoid, reduce, or offset them.
What are the environmental impact considerations?
Modern fast-acting natural gas generating facilities produce lower emissions than older fossil fuel facilities, including coal which still supplies half of Nova Scotia’s power.
This proposal is undergoing Environmental Assessments to identify and mitigate potential effects on air, water, wildlife, communities, with effective measures planned to avoid, reduce, or offset any effects.
Where does the natural gas come from for the facility(ies)?
The project would make use of a reliable supply of natural gas from the North American grid through the existing Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline that already runs through Pictou County. The one or two facilities would be located in close proximity of existing pipelines, minimizing the need for new pipeline infrastructure.
Will there be jobs and other benefits for local community members?
Potential project operators responding to the request for proposals will be required to outline local economic and jobs benefits. For example, construction is expected to generate 100-125 short-term employment opportunities, and operations will create 10-15 longer-term positions. There is also potential for training opportunities to support local workers in developing skills related to energy operations, maintenance, and safety.
What will water be used for during facility operations, and how much is needed?
Water will be used at the facility for controlling air emissions, boosting power output when needed, and cleaning equipment. Most of the water used during operations turns into steam and is released safely through the turbine exhaust.
The process of boosting power output—called power augmentation—involves spraying a fine mist of water into the air that feeds the turbines. This cools the air, making the turbines run more efficiently and produce more electricity. Boosting power output will mainly occur on very hot days or when electricity demand is high. Boosting power output is optional, which provides flexibility to best manage the facility’s overall water use.
Overall, a 300-megawatt facility uses about the same amount of water each year as 750 average rural homes. Most of this water becomes harmless water vapour, the remaining amount is safely treated before being gradually released in accordance with environmental standards.
What will be done to protect the local aquifer in order to protect my well water?
As part of the province’s Environmental Assessment process, we will be conducting an evaluation of local aquifers to determine potential effects on groundwater quantity and impacts on local wells.
We are also committing to nearby residents that the successful proponent will test wells for quantity and quality before construction starts to gather baseline data. Once the facilities are operational, the proponent will also undertake a comprehensive aquifer and well monitoring program to detect any changes. If needed, additional mitigation measures will be put in place.
What are the potential impacts on surface water?
We are committed to protecting surface water quality and quantity throughout construction, operation and eventual decommissioning.
The project’s Environmental Assessment, including a hydrogeological study, is underway to identify potential effects and mitigation measures such as stormwater controls and well monitoring to safeguard local water resources.
All process water will be treated, neutralized, and tested before controlled release to existing surface water sources, ensuring compliance with government regulations. No hazardous effluent will be discharged and adaptive management will be applied to maintain the protection of local water and ecosystems.
How might the plant affect wildlife, especially birds?
The facility is designed to minimize wildlife disturbance through careful site selection, vegetation management, and reduced night lighting. As part of the Environmental Assessment, surveys identify sensitive species and habitats, and construction is scheduled to avoid key bird breeding and migration periods.
Protective measures such as fencing, controlled clearing, and habitat buffers are applied, with restoration and habitat offsets where disturbance is unavoidable. Ongoing environmental monitoring ensures species protection and guides further mitigation as needed.
What if there is a spill, leak, or accident?
Natural gas facilities have been operating safely across North America for many years. The proposed facility will follow these same proven safety practices. It will have detailed emergency and environmental plans in place to protect people and the surrounding land and water.
Although the risk of spills or accidents is very low, the facility will include advanced monitoring and automatic shut-off systems to quickly detect and contain any issues. Staff will also work closely with local emergency responders and take part in regular training exercises. In the unlikely event of an incident, clear steps are in place to keep people safe, limit environmental impacts, and restore the area as quickly as possible.
How much greenhouse gas will this project emit?
Emissions modelling for the facility is underway as part of the Environmental Assessment process, ensuring the project meets all provincial air quality guidelines. Unlike coal-fired plants, this facility will not run continuously and only generate electricity when there is a gap in the availability of renewables, resulting in significantly lower overall greenhouse gas emissions. Initially fueled by natural gas with light fuel oil as a possible backup, the facility is being designed to transition to low-carbon alternatives such as hydrogen and biofuels as they become available—further reducing its environmental footprint and supporting the province’s clean energy transition.
Will property values be affected if I live near the facility?
The sites for these facilities have been carefully selected to align with existing land uses and minimize potential impacts on nearby properties. IESO Nova Scotia has focused on locations appropriately zoned and set back from residential areas where possible. Modern design standards, environmental safeguards, and mitigation measures—such as noise and visual buffers—will help ensure the facilities operate safely and unobtrusively, as well as minimize impacts on nearby property values.
What steps will be taken to address visual and sound impacts?
The facility has been designed with features such as landscaping, noise barriers, and natural vegetation buffers to help reduce visual and sound impacts on the surrounding area. Operations will comply with provincial noise-level regulations, supported by ongoing monitoring to ensure continued compliance. Construction activities may also be limited to specific hours to further minimize disruption. Should any concerns arise,
they will be promptly reviewed, and appropriate solutions will be implemented in collaboration with the community.
Will recreational users still have access to the site area?
Over the coming weeks, we will be meeting with local recreational groups to share project information and learn more about how the area is used recreationally. While safety remains our top priority—and the facility site itself will not be open for recreational access—public access to surrounding trails and recreation areas will be maintained wherever possible. The site design will also aim to minimize disruption and preserve opportunities for community use of the area.
How will traffic congestion and road impacts be managed during construction?
A traffic management plan will be developed with local authorities to schedule construction deliveries, minimize heavy truck use during peak hours, and ensure safe road access. Any road wear will be monitored, and repairs will be coordinated with the municipality if needed.
How do I stay informed?
IESO Nova Scotia is committed to open and transparent communication with the local community. Information about the project will be posted on ieso-ns.ca and will be provided through open houses and a local community liaison committee. Please contact community@ieso-ns.ca to ask questions or book a meeting with the project team.