KBRS is pleased to have assisted in the appointment of Jonny Johnston as inaugural President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (NSIESO). The following is an excerpt from their recent announcement.
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HALIFAX, NS — Longtime senior energy executive Johnny Johnston will be the inaugural President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (NSIESO).
“We’ve found the right person to lead NSIESO as we build a new organization that’s independent, transparent and accountable in managing Nova Scotia’s electricity future,” said Douglas Reid, Chair of NSIESO’s Board of Directors. “Johnny is a leader with deep operational expertise, a strong understanding of regulatory environments, and a proven ability to build effective teams. We’re thrilled to have someone of his calibre take on the challenge of creating this new organization at such a pivotal time for the province.”
Johnny Johnston brings nearly three decades of international experience in utility operations, strategy, and system transformation. Most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer at Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp., he led regulated and independent renewable energy operations, including service to 1.5 million utility customers across four countries and a three gigawatt renewables portfolio in North America. Johnston began his career at the United Kingdom’s national energy system operator, rising through senior roles in engineering, operations, and transformation. Johnston was also part of starting GridAmerica, an independent transmission company (ITC) in the United States Midwest providing transmission planning services for three major utilities. A registered professional engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Johnston holds an engineering degree from Oxford University and completed his business education at Cranfield University and Harvard Business School.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Johnston. “This is about more than just managing the grid—NSIESO is about enabling the energy transformation in Nova Scotia. We have an opportunity to reshape our electricity system around clean and reliable energy, and as a not-for-profit organization we are singularly focused on long-term value for Nova Scotians. It’s an honour to help lead that transformation, and to work alongside many who are already driving this change."
NSIESO was created following the recommendations of the 2024 Clean Electricity Solutions Task Force. It will play a key role in the province’s energy transition to renewables. NSIESO will be responsible for grid planning, interconnection assessments, competitive procurement, and ultimately, real-time operations of the province’s bulk electricity system.
“We’re just getting started,” added Reid. “We’re establishing a modern, independent operator—one that welcomes clean energy investment, encourages competition, and puts Nova Scotians first.”
Johnston will be based in Halifax and starts on August 18, 2025. The appointment of the CEO by NSIESO’s Board of Directors follows a national search led by recruitment firm KBRS.
Media contact:
Cathy MacIsaac
902-240-0372
