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Nova Scotia Power receives Esri Special Achievement in GIS Award

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Atlantic Canadian utility recognized for using geographic information systems to support grid resilience, operational continuity and modernization

Key points

  • Nova Scotia Power has received an Esri Special Achievement in GIS Award for demonstrating leadership in using GIS to support operational resilience and grid modernization.

  • Following a significant cyber incident, Nova Scotia Power rapidly shifted key GIS workflows to cloud-based ArcGIS Online.

  • The utility is advancing its migration to the ArcGIS Utility Network with Schneider Electric’s Designer XI, setting an example for Canadian utilities modernizing ageing infrastructure and preparing for a more resilient energy future.

TORONTO—July 30, 2026—Esri Canada congratulates Nova Scotia Power on receiving the Esri Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) Award for its innovative use of geographic information system (GIS) technology to support grid resilience, operational continuity and digital transformation. Presented annually at the Esri User Conference, the SAG Awards celebrate organizations around the world that are using GIS to solve complex problems and deliver measurable impact. Nova Scotia Power was recognized for its grid modernization project that demonstrates how GIS can help utilities adapt quickly, keep essential services running and strengthen the foundation for future grid modernization.

“We are honoured to receive this global recognition from Esri,” said Glen MacLeod, director, Customer & Grid Intelligence, Nova Scotia Power. “Our teams rely on GIS every day to better understand and manage our network, support safe and efficient field operations, and deliver reliable service to our customers. This recognition reflects the dedication of our employees and our ongoing commitment to using innovative technology and data-driven insights to strengthen the grid and enhance the customer experience.”

In 2024, Nova Scotia Power began migrating to the ArcGIS Utility Network and upgrading to Schneider Electric’s Designer XI to modernize management of its electrical network with advanced data modelling, visualization and analytics capabilities. When a significant cyber incident disrupted its systems, the organization rapidly transitioned critical workflows to the cloud-based service ArcGIS Online, helping keep more than half of its GIS applications available and supporting essential functions such as meter reading and outage management.

“Nova Scotia Power’s response shows how GIS helps utilities remain resilient when conditions change quickly,” said Alex Miller, president, Esri Canada. “By moving critical workflows to the cloud and continuing its migration, the organization is demonstrating the kind of practical, forward-looking innovation Canadian utilities need as they modernize the grid and prepare for a more complex energy future.”

For Canadian utilities, Nova Scotia Power’s achievement underscores the growing importance of enterprise GIS as critical infrastructure. Utilities across the country are facing increasing pressure to modernize ageing assets, improve outage response, strengthen cybersecurity resilience, manage vegetation and field work more efficiently, and integrate new demands from electrification and distributed energy resources. GIS provides a common operational view that connects network data, field activity, customer impacts and asset intelligence so utilities can make faster, better informed decisions.

Nova Scotia Power has used Esri tools including ArcGIS Field Maps, ArcGIS Experience Builder and ArcGIS Survey123 to support design work, field operations and customer service activities. The organization also shares lessons learned with peers, helping advance best practices in utility management across the Atlantic region.

“The utility sector is facing major change, and GIS is becoming essential to how organizations plan, design, operate and respond,” said Armando LaCivita, director, Utilities, Esri Canada. “Nova Scotia Power’s work is a strong example of how utilities can use the ArcGIS platform to improve data quality, streamline workflows and build a more connected view of their network from the office to the field.”

To learn how ArcGIS helps utilities modernize operations, improve resilience and plan for the future, visit esri.ca/utilities.

About Nova Scotia Power
Nova Scotia Power has had a presence in communities across Nova Scotia for over a century.  As the primary electricity provider in the province, the company is regulated by the Nova Scotia Energy Board and provides generation, transmission and distribution of electrical power to approximately 550,000 customers. This includes residential, commercial, and industrial customers across Nova Scotia. With more than 2,200 dedicated employees, the team at Nova Scotia Power works every day to provide safe, reliable service to customers in every corner of the province. Their focus is on engaging with communities about the important work being done to meet the evolving energy needs of Nova Scotians while supporting the exciting growth and development in the region. Nova Scotia Power Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Emera Inc. (TSX-EMA). Learn more at nspower.ca.

About Esri Canada
Founded in 1984, Esri Canada provides geographic information system (GIS) solutions that empower people in business, government, and education to make informed and timely decisions by leveraging the power of mapping and spatial analytics. These solutions enable organizations to better manage their resources, plan their future and collaborate within and beyond their organization. Esri Canada’s products and services help advance successful digital transformation. The company serves more than 14,000 organizations from 14 offices across Canada and is based in Toronto. Esri Canada has been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for 14 consecutive years. More information can be found at esri.ca. Follow Esri Canada on X(Twitter), Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Esri Canada
press@esri.ca

Nova Scotia Power
news@nspower.ca

Screenshot of the OneGIS Outage viewer showing a dark map with coloured outage points, a side panel with outage details and a banner at the top of the screen.

The OneGIS Outage viewer is used by Nova Scotia Power to maintain situational awareness on outage restoration efforts.

           

Screenshot of an ArcGIS Field Maps mobile app screen showing a map with outage points and a form with fields for outage status, cause and related notes.         

This ArcGIS Field Maps app is used by frontline personnel to update the status and cause of outages, which then feeds updates to the customer-facing outage map.