Topic:"Bca" in M06733

nd Side Management Plan, filed February 28, 2011 20 Ibid., p. 17 21 NSUARB, NSUARB-E-ENSC-R-10 ORDER, June 30, 2011 ENSC and its stakeholders[22](#page-63-0) as well as industry experts [23](#page-63-1) have noted concerns associated with...

AI summary Efficiency Nova Scotia (ENS) criticizes the Total Resource Cost (TRC) test for inaccuracies, bias, and misrepresenting ratepayer value. ENS advocates shifting to the Program Administrator Cost (PAC) test, citing Dunsky Energy Consulting's recommendations. The 2016-2018 DSM Plan passes current TRC methods, but ENS emphasizes the need for accurate cost-benefit accounting in DSM planning.

perience suggests that in many markets, participants are increasingly driven to spend their money on energy efficiency measures or options because of those very NEBs that the TRC does not account for. It has been suggested – and we concur...

AI summary The text argues that the Total Resource Cost (TRC) methodology underestimates non-energy benefits (NEBs), creating a regulatory bias against energy efficiency investments. This bias, though marginal in the past, is becoming significant with stricter DSM goals and improved baselines, leading to the rejection of high-value measures despite consumer interest. The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission's 2013 policy statement highlights TRC's failure to quantify risk reduction and NEBs, disadvantaging conservation programs.

SUMMARY OF NEB ISSUES Increasingly, non-energy benefits – especially those that accrue to participants – are viewed as significant benefit streams that the current TRC effectively neglects. This is critical to the extent that the TRC's pur...

AI summary The document critiques the Total Resource Cost (TRC) methodology for neglecting non-energy benefits (NEB), particularly for participants. It notes that some regions modify TRC to include NEB or adopt alternative tests. A study evaluated DSM scenarios with 1.0%-2.5% annual savings, referencing Nova Scotia's 2012 DSM achievement of 1.52% annual sales. The text also mentions deliberate low-rate choices to avoid discounting future generations' interests.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NOVA SCOTIA Nova Scotia has been using the TRC, which attempts to reflect the sum of participant and non-participant perspectives, to screen DSM programs. The Electricity Efficiency and Conservation Restructuring (2014) Ac...

AI summary Nova Scotia uses TRC to evaluate DSM programs, but the TRC may not reflect customer preferences, leading to inefficient spending. The 2014 Act structures DSM procurement as utility-led competition with supply. Only the PAC test considers utility least-cost perspectives. Customer preferences, like valuing solar hot water over heat pumps, could be overlooked by TRC.

C. Technical Resource Manual & Evaluation Guidelines Most jurisdictions eventually develop a Technical Resource Manual (TRM) in which calculation methods, assumptions and (in some cases) default unitary values for energy savings and/or com...

AI summary Jurisdictions develop Technical Resource Manuals (TRMs) to standardize energy savings calculations, maintained by consultants and reviewed by committees. TRMs include methods and assumptions, updated via evaluations. Evaluation guidelines are also commonly established.

ment of evaluations and programs, and also endorses many of the evaluator's recommendations that would improve measurement and evaluation. Some of the specific recommendations that were noted include: - Establishing a Nova Scotia Technical...

AI summary The verification report endorses evaluator recommendations for improving program evaluation, including establishing a Nova Scotia Technical Resource Manual (TRM), developing evaluation guidelines, implementing formal protocols, and partitioning energy savings. The TRM was previously recommended and noted in Appendix C of Exhibit E-1 for completion in 2015.

3.5 Proposed 2016-18 DSM Resource Plan

AI summary The section outlines the proposed 2016-18 Demand-Side Management (DSM) Resource Plan, focusing on energy efficiency initiatives under Nova Scotia regulatory frameworks. Key entities include Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) and legislation such as the Electricity Efficiency and Conservation Restructuring (2014) Act (EECR Act).

5) DSM EXPENDITURE JUSTIFICATION CRITERIA a) The parties agree to discuss the potenttal development of DSM Expenditure Justification Criteria (DSMEJC) within the DSM Advisory Group.

AI summary The parties agree to discuss the potential development of DSM Expenditure Justification Criteria (DSMEJC) within the DSM Advisory Group as part of the regulatory proceeding.

une 30, 2016. This will allow sufficient time to deal with any such matters prior to the submission of the next DSM Plan. [25] For reasons that are explained later in this Decision, however, the Board does not approve the Quantum Agreement...

AI summary The Board did not approve the Quantum Agreement due to insufficient DSM spending in the public interest, despite support from CA, SBA, EAC, and AEC. It approved aspects like the DSM Expenditure Justification Criteria and Small Business Energy Study, though NSPI objected to the latter due to cost. The DOE supported equity principles, and non-financial provisions will be addressed through the DSM Advisory Group.

3.5.5 Cost Effectiveness Screening [99] Although the Board has not approved the Quantum Agreement, Section 7 contains a provision which states as follows: Through collaboration within the DSM Advisory Group the parties agree to work to ach...

AI summary The Board has not approved the Quantum Agreement but acknowledges Section 7's provision for collaboration on DSM cost effectiveness screening methodology. The Board supports the process but maintains the existing TRC methodology unless a compelling case is made to abandon it.