EfficiencyOne and eight intervenors filed opening statements in the M12780 hearing for the proposed 2027–2031 DSM Resource Plan, with debate centering on investment levels, strategic electrification, demand response, and equity

M12780 · EfficiencyOne - 2027-2031 Demand Side Management (DSM) Plan Application

AI summary

Efficiencyone (E1) opened the M12780 hearing confirming its Demand Side Management Resource Plan proposes flat annual investment of $63.75 million (totalling $318.75 million over five years), targeting 435.4 GWh in cumulative net energy savings and projecting over $680 million in lifetime benefits, with 71% of expenditures flowing directly to customers (E-42, pp. 1–4)
E1 filed Schedule 'A' (E-42 attachment) introducing key plan refinements: the former Mid-Course Adjustment process is renamed the Annual Adjustment Process with ±20%/±15% cumulative variance thresholds requiring Board approval when breached; a Mid-Term Check-In is formalized with both events-based triggers (e.g., updated IRP or DSM potential study) and a calendar trigger at Q1 2029; and Strategic Electrification may be introduced mid-plan if a Board-approved model passes the Cost Effectiveness and PUA requirements
The Assembly Of Nova Scotia Mikmaw Chiefs and KMKNO (E-43) strongly supported continuation of the Mikmaw Home Energy Efficiency Project, citing benefits to over 1,800 homes, $42 million in projected lifetime savings, and 65,637 tonnes of GHG avoided, while welcoming new Mi'kmaw solar PV and new construction programs
Strategic Electrification was the most contested cross-cutting issue: Solar NS (E-46), the Affordable Energy Coalition (E-48), Ecology Action Centre (E-51), and Consumer Advocate (E-52) argued it should be included in the plan now; NS Power (E-53), supported by Brattle Group analysis, called for a phased pathway with accountable milestones rather than a research-only approach; E1 confirmed it modelled electrification scenarios but none passed the Board-approved modified PAC test
NS Power (E-53) also raised concerns about the limited scope of BNI Demand Response as a verifiable capacity resource and opposed including standalone solar PV in DSM funding citing double-compensation through net metering, while the Industrial Group (E-45) flagged rising unit costs, BNI demand response cost responsibility, and sought clarity on the Mid-Term Check-In scope and governance

Disclaimer: This summary was generated by AI from the filings it describes. We take care to make it accurate, but errors are possible - and it isn't advice. Only the filings themselves are the record: if you're relying on something here, confirm it against the source documents or the Nova Scotia Energy Board's own record. Full disclaimer →

What was filed

Documents filed on this day

E-42 Opening Statement - E1 exhibits
E-43 Opening Statement - ANSMC and KMKNO exhibits
E-44 Opening Statement - Posterity Group, on behalf of EE exhibits
E-45 Opening Statement - IG exhibits
E-46 Opening Statement - Solar NS exhibits
E-47 Opening Statement - SBA exhibits
E-48 Opening Statement - AEC exhibits
E-49 Opening Statement - ECEL exhibits
E-50 Opening Statement - DOE exhibits
E-51 Opening Statement - EAC exhibits
E-52 Opening Statement - CA exhibits
E-53 Opening Statement - NS Power exhibits
102991 Letter from E1 enclosing opening statement other_documents
102998 Letter from EE re: witness other_documents
103000 Letter from CA enclosing opening statement other_documents