Topic:"2026 DSM Extension" in M12780

1 Table 1: 2027–2031 DSM Advisory Group Engagement Activities DSMAG Engagement Activity: 2027–2031 Timeline DSMAG Session – Round 1 Modelling Assumptions and Results (2026–2030) July 26, 2024 Round 1 Modelling Assumptions and Results circu...

AI summary This table outlines the engagement activities of the DSM Advisory Group (DSMAG) from 2023 to 2024, focusing on sessions related to modeling assumptions, avoided costs, stakeholder engagement plans, and updates to the 2026–2030 DSM Plan. Key participants include NS Power and various stakeholders providing feedback.

14 4.1 THE 2027–2031 DSM PLAN CONTINUES TO PRIORITIZE CUSTOMERS E1's DSM Plan continues to prioritize customers by ensuring that the investment in customer incentives remains not only the largest portion of the $63.75 million per year but...

AI summary E1's 2027–2031 DSM Plan prioritizes customers by increasing customer incentives from 66% to 71% of total investment compared to the 2026 DSM Extension, with annual funding of $63.75 million. This reflects a shift toward greater customer-focused spending within the overall DSM strategy.

1 6.3.2 PROGRAM SAVINGS & INVESTMENT - 2 Table 9, below, provides the five-year savings and investment details by program component for the - 3 2027–2031 Preferred Plan. Detailed information by year is provided in Appendix A.

AI summary This section introduces Table 9, which outlines five-year savings and investment details by program component for the 2027–2031 Preferred Plan, with detailed annual information provided in Appendix A.

DATE FILED: March 31, 2026 Page 24 of 112 Area of Change Change/New Element Rationale and Context Incentive Level Changes • Increased incentives across residential and BNI energy efficiency programs, for example: Increased incentives o for...

AI summary The document outlines changes to incentive levels in residential and BNI energy efficiency programs, including increased incentives for Affordable Multifamily Housing, Home Energy Assessment, and Small Business Energy Solutions, following the conclusion of provincial DSM top-up funding in 2025. E1 has raised incentives to an average of 71% compared to 66% in the 2026 DSM Extension.

- 2 Table 7 provides portfolio-level savings and investment by year and in aggregate, inclusive of all proposed - 3 DSM resources for the 2027–2031 DSM Preferred Plan.

AI summary Table 7 outlines portfolio-level savings and investment figures by year and in aggregate for all proposed DSM resources under the 2027–2031 DSM Preferred Plan.

3.1 2026 Plan as Approved Assessment in 2023, 2024, and to a lesser extent, in 2025. As detailed in E1's 2026 DSM Extension filing, 2026 Plan targets for energy savings (116.0 GWh) and demand savings (18.9 MW) are consistent with E1's expe...

AI summary The 2026 DSM Plan targets 116.0 GWh in energy savings and 18.9 MW in demand savings, reflecting lower expected savings due to market changes and billing analysis updates. The plan includes adjustments from the closure of the Canada Greener Homes Grant and slower program implementation. The investment aligns with the legislated level of $63.75 million.

6 Numbers may not sum due to rounding. 8 Updates on the progress of 2026 Plan implementation will be reported in E1's quarterly reports 9 to the Nova Scotia Energy Board. E1's Q1 2026 DSM quarterly report is due to be filed May 25, 10 2026...

AI summary The document mentions updates on the 2026 Plan implementation, with E1 required to report progress quarterly to the Nova Scotia Energy Board. The Q1 2026 DSM quarterly report is due by May 25, 2026, and will include mid-course adjustments by program.

1 Request IR-01: 2 3 On pages 16-17 of Appendix A (pages 104-5) of the application, in section 3.2.1, Resource 4 Scenario Design, you state that you changed the design objective regarding low income and 5 equity from 6 7 • 15–20 percent in...

AI summary The request asks for clarification on the practical difference of reframing low-income and equity investment objectives and how savings and investment percentages are calculated. The response refers to EfficiencyOne's previous explanation and details the calculation method using data from Appendix A, Table 8 of the DSM Resource Plan Application.

vel that is reasonable and manageable for ratepayers in the unique economic landscape. (b) Please refer to E1's response to Synapse IR-10 part (e). DATE FILED: May 28, 2026 E1 (CA) IR-07 Page 2 of 2 Request IR-08: Reference: Evidence, p. 3...

AI summary E1 asserts that short-term affordability (5-year period) should prioritize ratepayer impacts over long-term benefits, maintaining $63.75M annual DSM investment without inflationary increases. It acknowledges affordability's ongoing relevance but emphasizes current economic challenges like rising housing, food, and energy costs.

Response IR-16: (a) EfficiencyOne (E1) relied on the 10.5 percent figure from the 2023–2026 DSM Plan as the primary benchmark for assessing what a reasonable and appropriate percentage would be for the 2027–2031 DSM Plan. Based on a review...

AI summary EfficiencyOne (E1) used the 10.5% benchmark from the 2023–2026 DSM Plan to propose an 11% target for the 2027–2031 DSM Plan, reflecting a commitment to support low-income and equity customers. E1 shifted from using Census data to expressing low-income and equity savings as a percentage of total residential savings, based on DSMAG feedback. E1 has not yet defined equity by residential load share due to lack of disaggregated data.

Request IR-01: References: Exhibit E-1, Application, page 8/71, lines 23–24; and Table 15, pages 40–44/71. Preamble: E1 states that annual investment is constrained to the 2026 approved level of $63.75M per year, with no inflationary incre...

AI summary The request asks for a detailed breakdown of annual spending by rate class under different plans and seeks explanations for spending changes. The response refers to an attachment for the table and explains that spending estimates are based on historical data and expected program activity, aligning with the 2026 DSM Plan Extension commitment.

031 rate class estimates. The 2027–2031 DSM Plan rate class estimates were developed in alignment with that commitment and reflect E1's best available forecast of customer participation by rate class. Spending in the Medium Industrial rate...

AI summary The 2027–2031 DSM Plan rate class estimates show increased spending in the Medium Industrial and Residential rate classes compared to previous plans, driven by higher-than-expected participation in the BNI Demand Response program and planned growth. Spending in Large Industrial rate class increased but remained consistent with 2026 levels, while General and Small General rate classes saw spending decreases.

Table 1: 2023–2025 Other Enabling Strategies costs (Plan and Actual) 2023 2024 2025 Other Enabling Strategies ($ million) Plan Actual Variance (Actual to Plan) Plan Actual Variance (Actual to Plan) Plan Actual Variance (Actual to Plan) DSM...

AI summary The table shows that actual expenditures for Other Enabling Strategies in 2024 and 2025 exceeded the planned amounts, primarily due to costs related to the development and regulatory processes of the 2026–2030 DSM Plan, the 2026 DSM Extension, and E1's BCA Test application. The 2027–2031 DSM Plan's development also continued in 2025.

the incentive and have them readily available if needed for regulatory purposes. Figure 5. Exception Process Request IR-12: Reference: Exhibit E-1, Application, pages 47 and 49/71. (a) Please provide a table comparing the 2026 DSM Extensio...

AI summary The request IR-12 asks for a detailed table comparing the 2026 DSM Extension with the 2027–2031 Preferred Plan, including cost categories, changes in expenditures, allocation methods, and explanations for discrepancies in spending. The response is pending.

C. E1's commitment in the 2026 DSM Extension matter During the 2026 DSM Extension proceeding, E1 agreed to the following enhancements: - Improve the accuracy of estimates used for the rate class allocation of expenditures in the DSM Plan b...

AI summary In the 2026 DSM Extension matter, E1 committed to improving the accuracy of expenditure estimates in the DSM Plan by using at least three years of historical data, providing enhanced rate class reporting, and monitoring program spending against the DSM Plan to address variances.

20 i) • For the "Energy Star certified Room Air Purifiers (RAP)" measure under the "Instant Savings" program, investment ranges between $240,800 to $309,600 for each year for the 2027–2031 DSM plan. The payback period for this measure with...

AI summary The 'Energy Star certified Room Air Purifiers (RAP)' measure under the 'Instant Savings' program has an investment range of $240,800 to $309,600 annually for the 2027–2031 DSM plan. The payback period without incentives is 1.24 years.

E1 Responses to Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) Information Requests NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 In the 2023–2025 DSM Plan, demand response cost assumptions were 2 largely developed by Guidehouse, as E1 did not yet have direct 3 experience deliveri...

AI summary E1 updated demand response cost assumptions in the 2026 DSM Extension and the proposed 2027–2031 DSM Plan based on its actual program delivery experience, which was initially developed by Guidehouse due to E1's lack of direct experience.

1 M09096, Document No. 84486, DSMAG Revised Terms of Reference, September 20, 2021, page 7 1 Request IR-16: 15 Power's average non-DSM participant customer, 16 please provide this analysis for two separate 17 customers: a) one who uses 6,0...

AI summary The document outlines a request (IR-16) for analysis on the average bill impact of the 2027-2031 DSM Plan for residential non-DSM participants, including specific scenarios for customers using 6,000 and 12,000 kW/hr of electricity annually. It also requests revised tables and figures to show the average rate and customer bill impacts for both DSM and non-DSM participants.

14 DSM Training and development costs are forecast to increase by 2 percent related to 15 inflation. 16 17 viii) Salary and benefit costs from the 2026 DSM Extension compared to 2027 have 18 decreased by $76,000. Training and development c...

AI summary The document discusses projected increases in DSM training and development costs due to inflation, as well as decreases in salary and benefit costs for the 2026 DSM Extension compared to 2027, along with a reduction in training and development costs.

Comparison of Diversity of Program Delivery – 2023-2025 Plan, 2026 DSM Extension and 2027-2031 DSM Plan Item 2023-2025 DSM Plan 2026 DSM Extension 2027-2031 DSM Plan Diverse Measures • 356 measures, with measure lives ranging from 1 to 36...

AI summary This table compares the diversity of program delivery across three different Demand Side Management (DSM) plans in Nova Scotia, highlighting the number of measures, program components, and shifts in focus over time, such as the reduction in reliance on residential LED lighting savings and the introduction of new components like smart thermostats and solar PV programs.

3 Evidence – Exhibit E-1, pp.1-71 (pdf pp. 8-78) 4 - 5 Table 11: Proposed 2027-2031 DSM Preferred Plan Performance Targets provides the expected 6 energy savings. Please provide the number of customers by rate class that E1 forecasts - 7 p...

AI summary The document requests the number of customers by rate class that EfficiencyOne (E1) forecasts will participate in demand-side management (DSM) programs under each demand resource area to achieve the proposed 2027-2031 DSM preferred plan performance targets.

- (b) For 2023 and for each year from 2027 to 2031, provide the number of participating homes, total first-year electricity savings, and first-year savings broken down by lighting, heat pumps, insulation, and any other material end uses or...

AI summary The response addresses requests for data on program participation, energy savings, and costs for the DSM Plan periods 2023-2025 and 2027-2031, clarifying that the HEA program achieved 26.0 GWh of savings with 4,085 participants in 2023 and provides guidance on where to find detailed breakdowns of measures and costs.

1. BACKGROUND Beginning in late 2023, EfficiencyOne (E1) initiated the development process for the 2026-2030 DSM Plan with the Demand Side Management Advisory Group (DSMAG). Following two rounds of modelling, E1 pivoted to focus on the dev...

AI summary EfficiencyOne (E1) developed the 2026-2030 DSM Plan and later pivoted to the 2027-2031 DSM Plan following legislative changes to the Public Utilities Act in 2025. Feedback from the DSMAG on the 2026-2030 plan influenced the 2027-2031 modelling process, with key themes addressed in the report.

n following the completion of the NSIESO's 2026 IRP. Based on the current NSIESO timeline for the 2026 IRP, E1 does not anticipate updated avoided costs to be finalized for use until sometime in 2027. (c) No, E1 does not anticipate updatin...

AI summary E1 does not anticipate updating the avoided costs used in its proposed 2027–2031 DSM Plan Application and re-filing its submission, even though the NSIESO's 2026 IRP is expected to finalize updated avoided costs in 2027. Changes in IRP updates have historically not led to E1 applying for modifications to the approved DSM Plan.

common understanding is reached in 2026, E1 expects collaboration and efforts will continue into the 2027–2031 DSM Plan period. (b) Please refer to E1's response to Synapse IR-72. Request IR-15: Page 25 of the Evidence states, "The Preferr...

AI summary E1 references a jurisdictional scan conducted by APEX to determine appropriate energy savings targets and sector allocations for the DSM Plan, aligning with 0.8–1.0% of load and a 30/70 split between residential and BNI sectors, as well as 11% low-income and equity programs within residential savings.

Improves comparability and clarity of results For the 2023–2025 DSM Plan and 2026 DSM Extension, Guidehouse applied a 10-year cost effectiveness framework to reflect the full expected duration of DR programs and capture all associated cost...

AI summary Guidehouse applied a 10-year cost effectiveness framework for the 2023–2025 DSM Plan and 2026 DSM Extension, but this approach introduced challenges such as reliance on long-term assumptions and post-modeling adjustments. Levelizing upfront costs over ten years improves comparability and clarity of benefit-cost ratios for DR programs within the PAC test.

3. BACKGROUND 2 Q. Please provide background on the 2027-2031 DSM Plan filing. 3 A. The last multi-year DSM Plan covered 2023 to 2025. In late 2025, the NSEB 4 approved an extension to the 2023-2025 DSM Plan to include 2026 (the 2026 5 Ext...

AI summary The document outlines the background of the 2027-2031 DSM Plan filing by E1, including the extension of the 2023-2025 DSM Plan to 2026 and key changes in the new five-year plan, such as new program components, retired programs, and updated measure categories.

Sources: - 2023 Actuals: 2023 DSM Annual Progress Report, Table 1: 2023 Results to 2023 Plan as Approved, 2023 Mid-Course Adjustments, and 2023 Year-End Forecast, pg. 6. - 2024 Actuals: 2024 DSM Annual Progress Report, Table 1: 2024 Result...

AI summary The text references annual progress reports and planned DSM activities from 2023 to 2026, including actuals, mid-course adjustments, and forecasts. It also mentions a proposed DSM plan for 2027-2031. These documents provide data on program savings and investments related to demand-side management.

Sources: - 2023 Actuals: 2023 DSM Annual Progress Report, Table 1: 2023 Results to 2023 Plan as Approved, 2023 Mid-Course Adjustments, and 2023 Year-End Forecast, pg. 6. - 2024 Actuals: 2024 DSM Annual Progress Report, Table 1: 2024 Result...

AI summary The text references annual progress reports and planned DSM activities from 2023 to 2026, including actuals, mid-course adjustments, and forecasts. It also mentions a proposed DSM plan for 2027-2031. These documents provide data on program savings and investments related to demand-side management.

- 2023-2025 Planned: Appendix A, Tables 10-12, Settlement Plan Investment and Savings, by Program Component. - 2026 Planned: Table 5: 2026 Program Savings and Investment from Appendix A of 2026 DSM Extension for Demand-Side Management Acti...

AI summary The text outlines planned and proposed Demand-Side Management (DSM) activities for various time periods, including investment and savings details from multiple appendices and tables related to DSM plans and extensions.

ith that, E1's own Plan already contemplates providing "specific justification, on an individual basis, for each measure that fails" the test, rather than excluding it outright (M12780, E-1, p. 412). On that basis, a strategic electrificat...

AI summary E1 argues that a strategic electrification program should be included in the 2027-2031 DSM Plan without requiring prior cost-effectiveness proof, as portfolio-level testing can accommodate such measures. SNS suggests that if development is limited to the Plan period, results from hourly modelling and pathway analysis should trigger a mid-plan adjustment.

2. SYNAPSE EVIDENCE - Alice Napoleon of Synapse Energy Economics, Inc. ("Synapse") provided evidence on behalf of Counsel to - the Board. Ms. Napoleon's evidence was filed as E-23. This section of the Rebuttal Evidence sets out new - evide...

AI summary Alice Napoleon from Synapse Energy Economics provided evidence on behalf of the Board, addressing concerns about strategic electrification and demand response programs in the 2027–2031 DSM Plan.

oving the 2026 DSM 30 Extension Application, 2025 NSEB 21, the Board found the existing MCA process to be 31 "unbalanced" and directed E1 to revise its approach for the upcoming five-year Plan period.

AI summary The Board found the existing MCA process to be 'unbalanced' and directed E1 to revise its approach for the upcoming five-year Plan period in relation to the 2026 DSM 30 Extension Application and 2025 NSEB 21.

REGULATORY EXPERIENCE - G-215-24 2024 Consolidated Resource Plan: Pacific Northern Gas - o Regulatory Support - EB-2021-0002 Mult i-Year Natural Gas DSM Plan: Enbridge Gas Inc. - o Regulatory Support - G-371-22 2023- 2027 Demand-Side Manag...

AI summary The text lists various regulatory filings and plans related to energy and gas resource management, including long-term gas resource plans, demand-side management expenditures plans, and energy conservation initiatives by companies such as FortisBC Energy Inc. and Pacific Northern Gas.

- 28 (a) Please provide a table explaining the increase in first-year unit cost from 29 $0.49/kWh (2026) to $0.66/kWh (2027–2031), broken down by the 30 following drivers: 1 (i) Change in measure mix (e.g., shift away from lighting); 3 to...

AI summary The request asks for a table explaining the increase in first-year unit cost from $0.49/kWh (2026) to $0.66/kWh (2027–2031), broken down by drivers, and a comparison table of the 2026 DSM Extension to the 2027–2031 Preferred Plan, including detailed cost categories and allocations.

- Attachment 3 from the 2026 DSM Plan) on the custom program components: 2026 Proposed 2027 Preferred Plan 2028 Preferred Plan First Year First Year Participa First Year Participa Measure Name Savings Per Unit Participation Total PAC Savin...

AI summary Attachment 3 from the 2026 DSM Plan details proposed and preferred custom program components, including various energy efficiency initiatives with projected savings, incentives, participation units, and total incentives for the years 2026, 2027, and 2028.

- 8 costs between the 2023 DSM Plan year and the 2031 DSM Plan year. Year Investment First-Year Savings Unit Cost 2023 ~$3.9M ~8.6 GWh ~$0.45/kWh 2031 ~$6.1M ~2.0 GWh ~$3.05/kWh 9

AI summary The text compares the costs and savings associated with the 2023 and 2031 DSM Plans, highlighting a significant increase in investment and a decrease in first-year savings over the period.