B-4Redacted Direct Testimony and Exhibits of Paul Chernick - on behalf of CA 3/17/2011
6 passages
3 Q: Please summarize your review of the Synapse proposal. 4 A: I have two major complaints about the Synapse report, and a few minor points. 5 The first major point is that Synapse did not interpret its charge from the Board 6 to include...
AI summary The reviewer has two major complaints about the Synapse proposal: it failed to consider the impact of capacity development on rates and misinterpreted the concept of 'community' by excluding community support. The reviewer also highlights technical competence but notes several errors and assumptions that require attention.
15 Q: Is Synapse correct in its characterization of the Hatch report? 16 A: I think not. While Synapse claims "Hatch conservatively uses a capacity factor 17 of 32% for their energy estimates," Synapse does not specify where in the 200 pag...
AI summary The response indicates that Synapse's characterization of the Hatch report as using a 'conservative' capacity factor of 32% is not supported by the Hatch report itself. The Hatch report uses a 32% capacity factor as a ratio of firm capacity to nominal capacity, and actual average capacity factors calculated in the report are higher than 32%. The term 'conservative' in engineering refers to safety margins, not necessarily lower estimates.
4 Indeed, on page 2-1, Hatch refers to "the presumption of 32% firm capacity contribution." 1 number of dancers in a ballroom. Selecting a low estimate of capacity factor 2 does not protect consumers; it unnecessarily increases prices. 3 T...
AI summary The text references a 32% firm capacity contribution presumption by Hatch and discusses the implications of selecting a low estimate of capacity factor, arguing that it increases prices and does not protect consumers.
15 Q: How much lower would the COMFIT rate be with the 37% average capacity 16 factor, rather than Synapse's intentionally understated 31%? 17 A: Substituting the 37% capacity factor into the Synapse spreadsheet reduces the 18 required COM...
AI summary The COMFIT rate would decrease significantly if the capacity factor is adjusted from 31% to 37%, reducing the required rate for taxable and non-taxable owners. The answer references Synapse's use of a 'conservative' low capacity factor to understate wind energy potential.
14 Q: Do the Renewable Energy Regulations address the problem of these very 15 expensive resources? 16 A: Only with respect to small wind projects, whose total COMFIT capacity is limited 17 to 5 MW. I interpret the capacity cap as being in...
AI summary The respondent explains that the Renewable Energy Regulations only limit the capacity of small wind projects to 5 MW under COMFIT, aiming to mitigate rate impacts while promoting multiple goals. However, similar limits are not applied to tidal projects, which may be more expensive.
; Supplemental January 2000. Appropriate role of regulation. T&D reliability and service quality. Performance standards and customer guarantees. Assessing generation adequacy in a competitive market. 171. Connecticut Superior Court CV 99-0...
AI summary The text includes references to various regulatory proceedings and court cases involving issues such as stranded costs, discounted-cash-flow valuations, rate design, and divestiture of nuclear assets. It highlights concerns regarding the prudence of decisions, cost allocation, and the evaluation of energy efficiency programs.
B-11Evidence of Alliance of Nova Scotia Sawmillers 3/22/2011
16 passages
Q. What should be assumed regarding the existing facilities remaining boiler life? - A. The existing facility boiler life should not be considered as part of the Tariff rate. Although Synapse was not successful in soliciting actual data on...
AI summary The existing facilities' boiler life should not be factored into the Tariff rate. Experts testified that solid fuel boilers have a long lifespan, potentially over 40 years, and existing steam hosts are unlikely to retire their assets for CHP plants unless incentives are provided.
Q. What is the assumed availability of the facility? - A. Synapse considered an availability of 85% (60% at full extraction and 25% at full condensing). Based on dozens of facilities we have constructed over the last 30 years, we would exp...
AI summary The respondent recommends using a 90% availability rate for the facility, based on historical data and experience, arguing that this will encourage operators to maintain the facility and extend its lifespan.
Q. What is the calculated steam usage of the facility? - The steam usage of the condensing / extracting facility will include the steam to the process host, the steam used in the deaerator, and the steam used in turbine blade cooling in th...
AI summary The calculated steam usage of the facility includes steam for the process host, deaerator, and turbine blade cooling, totaling a 25,000 pph boiler design. The extraction steam flow to the host facility is assumed to be returned as condensate at 95% efficiency. Only one feedwater heater is used due to low ROI for additional heaters.
ASSUMPTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS - 1. ESI has not included use taxes, property taxes, or Owner's insurance as part of this project budgetary pricing. We assume owner will provide this information. - 2. ESI assumes that the site is level with...
AI summary The document outlines various assumptions and clarifications made by ESI regarding the project budget, including the exclusion of certain taxes, site conditions, utilities, and environmental compliance measures. It highlights the assumptions made about site access, soil conditions, and the availability of resources during construction and commissioning.
Q. What has the ANSS done to understand the costs associated with constructing and operating a CHP plant? A. In order to determine an appropriate CHP COMFIT rate, a sufficiently detailed study was required to determine critical cost compon...
AI summary The ANSS engaged ESI Inc. to conduct a detailed study on the costs of constructing and operating a biomass CHP plant in order to determine an appropriate CHP COMFIT rate.
Q. Steam from CHP plants is used for both electricity generation and process heat, how does Synapse deal with the allocation of cost of this shared resource? A. Synapse is proposing to have all of the costs of generating the steam for extr...
AI summary Synapse proposes that the heat user should bear the cost of generating steam for extraction, arguing that the heat user would have otherwise built and maintained a biomass boiler. An opposing viewpoint suggests that the heat user should pay the additional cost of building a biomass CHP plant compared to a biomass plant producing only electricity.
Q. How does ANSS propose the cost to produce steam be allocated? A. In our view, the splitting of the cost is the only equitable way to deal with this issue. We would propose that the cost required to generate steam in extraction mode be s...
AI summary ANSS proposes that the cost to produce steam be split evenly between the electric rate payer and the heat user, ensuring both parties benefit equally from Combined Heat and Power (CHP).
Q. What is Synapse's assessment of the labour required to operate a 2.05 MW CHP plant in Nova Scotia? A. Synapse estimates that labour to operate in the "boiler only scenario" is $300,000 and that labour to operate in the CHP scenario is $...
AI summary Synapse estimates the labour cost to operate a 2.05 MW CHP plant in Nova Scotia as $350,000 for the CHP scenario and $300,000 for the boiler-only scenario.
Q. Do you think this labour requirement is reasonable? A. It seems excessive given the size of the plant. The requirement for 24 hour supervision of the plant puts a significant labour cost burden on rate payers for plants of this scale. W...
AI summary The respondent argues that the 24-hour supervision labour requirement for the COMFIT plant is excessive and places an undue financial burden on rate payers. They suggest that the Department of Labour & Safety should review whether reduced supervision could safely operate the plant, similar to how heating boilers are managed.
Example 2 – Increase in Demand Where Supply is Constant A University constructs a biomass CHP plant to provide heat to its campus and generate renewable electricity. At the same time two sawmills within range of the university begin to ope...
AI summary A university and two sawmills construct biomass CHP plants, increasing demand for low-grade wood without additional supply, leading to higher prices. The text argues that requiring a biomass CHP COMFIT participant to guarantee electricity prices for 20 years based on CPI or diesel escalators is similar to NSPI guaranteeing rates based on coal mining costs, which are not directly tied to market prices. The fuel risk for biomass CHP is compared to NSPI's, suggesting a need for similar risk management mechanisms.
Q. What mechanism would the ANSS suggest to deal with the fuel risk? - A. We would suggest two possible solutions to mitigate fuel risk: - 1. A fuel adjustment mechanism whereby the cost of fuel is simply passed through to the electricity...
AI summary The ANSS suggests two mechanisms to mitigate fuel risk: a fuel adjustment mechanism similar to NSPI's approach and a CPI/Diesel index with periodic re-openers to adjust fuel prices. The re-opener would require CHP COMFIT participants to submit fuel cost data and ensure consistency and market incentives for cost efficiency.
Tariff Differentiation The cost of generating electricity from wind, tidal, hydro and biomass are uniquely different and will therefore require different tariffs based on the renewable energy types. It is also reasonable to differentiate t...
AI summary The text discusses the need for different tariffs for renewable energy sources like wind, tidal, hydro, and biomass, as well as the need to differentiate based on project size. It suggests using a 2MW plant as a benchmark for CHP COMFIT rates, which is suitable for sawmills in the group.
Data Granularity Our preference is toward a model that allows for enough detail to provide a fair representation of the cost of generating electricity with a CHP plant. We would error on the side of greater detail rather than less. The Ver...
AI summary The text advocates for a detailed model to fairly represent the cost of generating electricity with a CHP plant, favoring greater detail. It references the Vermont model as having reasonable granularity.
Why a Backpressure Turbine Does Not Make Sense for This Application A backpressure turbine operates in conjunction with the demand from the heat load. Steam from a boiler is sent to the turbine and then onto the heat load at the specific r...
AI summary A backpressure turbine's electricity generation is tied to the sawmill's dry kiln operation, which depends on lumber market demand. This creates instability, as sawmills often shut down during poor market conditions, reducing turbine output. The lumber market has been volatile, leading to frequent shutdowns.
Why a Condensing Turbine with Extraction Makes Sense In order for sawmills to participate and for projects to be able to attract debt the operation of the power plant has to be decoupled from the operation of the sawmill. A condensing turb...
AI summary A condensing turbine with extraction allows sawmills to decouple power plant operations from sawmill activities, providing flexibility during shutdowns or low production periods. This design supports revenue generation during difficult market conditions, reduces financial strain, and enables participation from community organizations with lower heat load demands.
ANSS IR 9. Reference pp.8‐9 Interconnection costs - (a) Why has Synapse assumed that biomass CHP plants will be located on facilities that are currently connected to the distribution system? - Answer: In the case of a wind, hydro or tidal...
AI summary Synapse discusses assumptions about interconnection costs for biomass CHP plants, noting that unlike renewable projects, biomass CHP can be located near existing grid connections. Synapse cites a lower interconnection cost for biomass CHP due to the assumption that these plants are built on existing grid-connected facilities. Synapse also mentions that NSPI was consulted and has provided feedback on interconnection cost estimates.
07337Board Decision
10 passages
6.3.1 Submissions [76] In developing the model to determine the COMFIT rates, Synapse considered financing. Financing has three main costing components, the debt to equity ratio ("DIE ratio"), cost of debt and a return on equity ("ROE"). S...
AI summary Synapse developed a model to determine COMFIT rates, considering financing components such as debt-to-equity ratios, cost of debt, and return on equity. Different ratios and costs were applied based on project type, and assumptions about loan amortization and reserve accounts were included in the model.
7.1 Submissions - [92] Synapse proposes a tariff of $139 per MWh for wind projects greater than 50 kW. - [93] This proposed tariff is based on a single turbine 1.5 MW in size. Synapse assumed total project costs of $3.8 Million or $2,520 p...
AI summary Synapse proposes a $139 per MWh tariff for wind projects over 50 kW, based on a 1.5 MW turbine and total project costs of $3.8 million. The proposed tariff assumes a capacity factor of 31%, with contested evidence regarding appropriate capacity factors. Synapse also considered financing assumptions and benchmarked against Vermont and Ontario.
7.2 Findings [107] The major point of contention for large wind projects related to the assignment of a capacity factor. [108] The estimates for the capacity factor ranged from 31 % (Synapse, Scotian WindFields, Black River, and the EAC) t...
AI summary The Board evaluated capacity factor estimates for large wind projects, ranging from 31% to 37%, and concluded that 33% is appropriate, balancing concerns about overestimation and underestimation. The decision incorporates input from Synapse, the CA, CanWEA, and NRCan, and approves the tariff with a Compliance Filing.
/0. They assumed a 10 year amortization period for repayment of debt. [118] For wind projects of 50 kW or less, Synapse assumed a capacity factor of 23%. In its pre-filed evidence, Synapse concluded: We have assumed that small wind project...
AI summary Synapse assumed a 23% capacity factor for small wind projects in Nova Scotia, based on developer input and resource maps. They also compared the proposed COMFIT rate to Vermont's FIT, arguing that COMFIT should be higher due to smaller project size, lack of grants, and community ownership requirements.
8.2 Findings [130] With respect to the capacity factor, Synapse proposed a rate of 23%. The Board considers Seaforth's comments to be reasonable in terms of supporting the 23% recommendation. Based on its review of the evidence, the Board...
AI summary The Board accepts Seaforth's support for a 23% capacity factor for small wind projects. It adjusts Synapse's interconnection cost from $13,300 to $21,550 based on evidence from Scotian WindFields. The Board also increases Routine O&M costs from $1,642 to $4,500 annually, citing evidence from small wind operators. These changes are to be addressed in the Compliance Filing.
9.2 Cost Allocation [153] In preparing the tariff for Biomass CHP, Synapse had to allocate the capital and operating costs between the steam host and electricity generation. They did so as follows: ... So we decided to ensure that biomass...
AI summary The text discusses the allocation of capital and operating costs between the steam host and electricity generation for biomass CHP under the COMFIT program. The approach ensures that biomass facilities are real CHP plants by allocating a large portion of the boiler cost to the steam host.
9.2.1 Findings on Cost Allocation [159] The Board finds that there are two methodologies being suggested for cost allocation: one based on incremental cost (an economic model), and one based on the ratio of the value of the outputs (an acc...
AI summary The Board is evaluating two cost allocation methodologies for Biomass CHP projects: incremental cost and output value ratio. Only incremental capital costs related to electricity production and operating costs beyond steam host requirements are eligible for consideration.
9.3.1 Findings on Capital Costs [170] The opinion of Mr. Hayes, together with the analysis of costs per MW to construct a full CHP, is indicative that the capital costs for equipment and installation used by Synapse might be too low. Synap...
AI summary The Board questions the accuracy of Synapse's capital cost estimates for a biomass CHP project, noting that Mr. Hayes' analysis suggests they may be too low. While Synapse made adjustments based on intervenor input, the Board prefers a conservative approach to avoid overburdening ratepayers and accepts Synapse's base cost for the tariff calculation.
9.4.1 Findings on Financing [183] The Board accepts the wide experience of Mr. Bodington in financing various electric generation projects, of which some are biomass. However, the Board finds it difficult to conclude a Nova Scotia sawmille...
AI summary The Board acknowledges Mr. Bodington's experience in financing electric generation projects but questions the feasibility of a Nova Scotia sawmiller financing a biomass CHP project solely through third-party equity. It concludes that a mix of debt and equity is more likely. The Board also accepts the use of a fuel escalator mechanism and Synapse's rate determination for a biomass CHP project.
10.2 Findings [243] While the Board is concerned about the high tidal tariff, it recognizes that this is both an experimental technology and is likely to be a small component of the overall COMFIT program. The Board notes that the Province...
AI summary The Board acknowledges the high tidal tariff but recognizes the experimental nature of the technology and its small role in the COMFIT program. It notes that the Province will review the Regulations in 2012 and plans to review all tariffs in three years. The Board accepts Synapse's capital structure and return recommendation and approves the submitted tariff.
07604Compliance Filing 8/2/2011
4 passages
Page 2 Large Wind 8-2-11 no tax Nov a S ia C OM FIT Mo del cot Ca sh Flo w W ork she Bot et: tom Syn e C aps lian om p ce Lar Win ge d n o ta x Deb t Loa n Ba lanc e Inte 8.00 % rest Prin cipa l Ann ual t pay men 1,88 9,80 0 (1,4 21,9 67)...
AI summary The document presents a financial table related to a debt loan balance, interest rates, principal, and annual payments for a large wind project in Nova Scotia. It outlines various financial figures and calculations over time.
Page 2 Biomass 8-2-11 85% availability no fuel Nova Scotia COMFIT Model Cash Flo w worksh eet: Botto om Synapse Complian ice 85% A vailability No Fuel Cale ndar Yea r De iatio r Cla prec n pe ssific ation (%) 5.00 % 5.00 % 5.00 % 5.00 % 5....
AI summary The text presents a table from the Nova Scotia COMFIT Model, which includes data on cash flow, compliance, and availability for a biomass project with 85% availability and no fuel. The table contains percentages for different time periods and classifications, but no explicit arguments or claims are discussed.
Biomass CHP Cost Scenarios Synapse Compliance 85% Availability No Fuel Capacity I act 013. Extraction 60% Condensing 25% Total 85% Calculation of fuel costs: extraction Condensing turbine size (kW): 1550 2050 Boiler efficiency (%) 70% 70%...
AI summary The document presents a detailed analysis of biomass CHP cost scenarios, including fuel use, efficiency, and capital costs. It outlines various components such as turbine size, boiler efficiency, and fuel use in mmBtu, alongside assumptions and cost calculations for the project.
Page 2 Biomass 8-2-11 90% availability no fuel Nova Scotia COMFIT Model Cash Flov w workshe et: Botton n Synaps e Complia ance 90% / Availabilit / no Fuel Operating Year 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
AI summary The text presents a table from the Nova Scotia COMFIT Model, which outlines financial data related to a biomass project with 90% availability and no fuel costs. The table includes operating years from 0 to 20 and various financial metrics, though the specific details are not fully visible.
U-6 - Copies of Spreadsheet Calculations for Each Sensitivity Usinb the ANSS Cost Inputs, Plus Calculations Using All of Those Inputs Combined06753 4/14/2011
5 passages
6.3 Installed Costs ANSS has proposed an installed cost of $13,456,757 for the CHP plant (Direct Testimony of Fenton Travis, p. 4). We have analyzed the impact of this change in the Excel file "Synapse U-6 Installed Cost." In this file, we...
AI summary ANSS proposed an installed cost of $13,456,757 for the CHP plant, which was analyzed and adjusted to 2012 dollars. This change impacts the fixed portion of the rate, increasing it to $165 per MWh, with the full 2012 rate being $229 per MWh.
6.5 Capacity Factor ANSS recommends a capacity factor of 90% for the CHP scenario. We have analyzed the impact of this change in the Excel file "Synapse U-6 Capacity Factor." Here we have changed the capacity factor of the turbine in conde...
AI summary ANSS recommends a 90% capacity factor for the CHP scenario, which increases fuel costs and affects the levelized rate calculation. The change is reflected in an Excel model, with a resulting fixed rate of $89 per MWh after adjusting for fuel costs and solving for an after-tax IRR of 13%.
Scenarios in $2012 Val for Ste -On ly ue am Gro ss V alu e fo r C HP Net Va lue for CH P $ Deb rvic ( ) t se e re ser ve $ 213 498 , $ 784 709 , $ 571 211 , Ste am t C Cos Deb los ing ts & Fe es $ 109 646 , $ 403 000 , $ 293 355 , Ca lcu l...
AI summary The document presents financial and operational data for various scenarios in 2012, including values for steam, gross value for CHP, net value for CHP, and other related metrics such as debt service reserves, equity closing costs, maintenance, and fuel usage. These figures provide a snapshot of financial and operational parameters for power generation and infrastructure planning.
4/12/11Synapse U-6 Parasitic Loads 14% Nova Scotia COMFIT Model Cash Flo w worksh eet: Botto m Synapse e U-6 Para sitic Load s at 14% Operating Year 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
AI summary The text presents a table from the Nova Scotia COMFIT Model, showing parasitic loads at 14% across various operating years, with a focus on cash flow and worksheet details. It appears to be part of a financial or operational analysis related to energy systems.
Scenarios in $2012 fo r S On Va lue tea ly m- Gr e f CH s V alu P os or e f CH Ne t V alu P or $ Wo rki ita l re ( ) ng ca p se rve $ 22 3, 00 4 $ 28 6, 49 7 $ 63 49 3 , ( $ ) De bt rvi se ce re se rve $ 21 3, 49 8 $ 77 7, 90 5 $ 56 4, 40...
AI summary The text presents financial scenarios from 2012, including figures related to working capital reserves, debt service reserves, equity losses, and maintenance costs. It includes calculations for fuel costs and turbine efficiency, but lacks detailed discussion or arguments.
06873Final Submission - ANSS 4/29/2011
4 passages
Re: Renewable Energy Community Feed-In Tariffs - BRD-E-R-10/Matter No: M03632 - 1. This is the submission of the Alliance of Nova Scotia Sawmillers ("ANSS"). It focuses on the Tariff to be established by the Nova Scotia Utility and Review...
AI summary The Alliance of Nova Scotia Sawmillers submits that the Tariff for a biomass CHP Facility should be based on cost-based rates rather than least-cost principles, emphasizing the need to consider capital costs, operating costs, debt-equity ratio, internal rate of return, and fuel cost reset mechanisms.
CAPITAL COSTS - 11. In deriving its proposed rate, Synapse assumed that the most likely developer of a Biomass CHP Facility would be a small to medium sized sawmill. Synapse chose a condensing turbine with extraction design which allows th...
AI summary Synapse proposed a Biomass CHP Facility using a condensing turbine with extraction design, arguing it allows for higher capacity factors and lower electricity costs. Ms. Shaw provided cost and operational assumptions, while ANSS prefers the evidence of Patrick (Mitch) Hayes and ESI, Inc. over Ms. Shaw's, citing their extensive qualifications in biomass and solid fuel projects.
Net of Steam-Only Scenario - 47. The ANSS submits that the approach taken by Synapse to allocate all of the costs of generating the steam for extraction to the heat user is inequitable and unwarranted. As was evident during questioning, th...
AI summary The ANSS argues that Synapse's allocation of steam generation costs solely to the heat user is inequitable and not supported by evidence from other jurisdictions. Mr. Hayes suggests that the capital cost difference between a power-only plant and a CHP plant should determine the steam cost allocation, ensuring fairness in the program's intent to promote renewable energy.
Fuel Cost Reset Mechanism - 76. Synapse has recognized the risk associated with fuel costs in a biomass CHP project. Certainly, it is the single largest risk to such projects. Generators are unable to hedge against abrupt market changes in...
AI summary Synapse highlights the significant risk of fuel costs in biomass CHP projects, noting the inability of generators to hedge against market volatility due to short-term contracts and limited supplier assets. A CPI/diesel index is proposed as a mechanism to address this risk, allowing for renegotiation if costs escalate excessively after eight years.
07337Board Decision
10 passages
7.1 Submissions - [92] Synapse proposes a tariff of $139 per MWh for wind projects greater than 50 kW. - [93] This proposed tariff is based on a single turbine 1.5 MW in size. Synapse assumed total project costs of $3.8 Million or $2,520 p...
AI summary Synapse proposes a $139 per MWh tariff for wind projects over 50 kW, based on a 1.5 MW turbine with total costs of $3.8 million. The model assumes a 31% capacity factor, which is contested, and includes O&M costs, financing assumptions, and benchmarking against Vermont and Ontario.
7.2 Findings [107] The major point of contention for large wind projects related to the assignment of a capacity factor. [108] The estimates for the capacity factor ranged from 31 % (Synapse, Scotian WindFields, Black River, and the EAC) t...
AI summary The Board evaluated capacity factor estimates for large wind projects, considering ranges from 31% to 37%. It found Synapse's 31% estimate too conservative, while Mr. Chernick's 37% could eliminate many typical projects. CanWEA's 33% was supported by NRCan data and deemed reasonable. The Board concluded 33% is appropriate and approved Synapse's tariff with a compliance filing.
/0. They assumed a 10 year amortization period for repayment of debt. [118] For wind projects of 50 kW or less, Synapse assumed a capacity factor of 23%. In its pre-filed evidence, Synapse concluded: We have assumed that small wind project...
AI summary Synapse assumed a 23% capacity factor for small wind projects in Nova Scotia, based on developer and manufacturer input. They also compared the COMFIT rate to Vermont's FIT, arguing that the COMFIT rate should be higher due to differences in project size, financial incentives, and ownership requirements.
8.2 Findings [130] With respect to the capacity factor, Synapse proposed a rate of 23%. The Board considers Seaforth's comments to be reasonable in terms of supporting the 23% recommendation. Based on its review of the evidence, the Board...
AI summary The Board accepts Synapse's proposed tariff for small wind projects but adjusts the capacity factor, interconnection costs, and O&M expenses based on evidence from Seaforth, Scotian WindFields, and small wind operators. Adjustments include increasing the capacity factor to 23%, interconnection costs to $21,550, and O&M expenses to $4,500 per year.
9.2 Cost Allocation [153] In preparing the tariff for Biomass CHP, Synapse had to allocate the capital and operating costs between the steam host and electricity generation. They did so as follows: ... So we decided to ensure that biomass...
AI summary In allocating costs for Biomass CHP under the COMFIT, Synapse assigned a large portion of boiler costs to the steam host to ensure that electricity generated is truly combined heat and power. This approach encourages steam hosts needing consistent steam to support these facilities.
[154] Synapse further elaborated: The steam host bears the full cost that they would have had under a scenario where they have a plant that only produces steam. So the two scenarios that we netted out are one which is combined heat and pow...
AI summary Synapse explains that the steam host bears the full cost of producing steam in a scenario where only steam is generated, as opposed to combined heat and power with a condensing steam turbine. The analysis compares two facilities to determine cost differentials.
9.2.1 Findings on Cost Allocation [159] The Board finds that there are two methodologies being suggested for cost allocation: one based on incremental cost (an economic model), and one based on the ratio of the value of the outputs (an acc...
AI summary The Board is evaluating two cost allocation methodologies: incremental cost (economic model) and output value ratio (accounting model). It also determines that only incremental capital and operating costs for Biomass CHP plants producing electricity beyond steam host needs are eligible for consideration.
9.3.1 Findings on Capital Costs [170] The opinion of Mr. Hayes, together with the analysis of costs per MW to construct a full CHP, is indicative that the capital costs for equipment and installation used by Synapse might be too low. Synap...
AI summary The Board found that Synapse's capital cost estimates for a biomass CHP project may be too low, but accepted Synapse's base cost for setting a COMFIT tariff. The Board emphasized the need for more detailed cost comparisons and opted for a conservative approach to avoid burdening ratepayers.
[177] As for DIE ratios Mr. Bodington stated: I'm saying that Canadian investors without some of the benefits of the U.S. will have to raise more equity, and that will make the project more costly. But that doesn't make a project impossibl...
AI summary Mr. Bodington discusses the challenges of financing small biomass projects, emphasizing the need for equity over debt and noting that projects under 6.5 megawatts are not economically viable. He also mentions that sawmills may prefer not to use their capital for such projects, and that banks are reluctant to finance small-scale projects.
[217] When discussing the St. FX project, Synapse had problems with it being considered a CHP: ... And frankly, that's one of the concerns I would have about this project because it has an overall efficiency of 28 percent, and I would have...
AI summary The St. FX project's efficiency of 28% raises concerns about its classification as a CHP and the resulting COMFIT rates. Synapse questioned the appropriateness of the tariff, while St. FX recalculated the required rate. The Board acknowledges the need to adjust COMFIT rates and will review them in three years, noting that Nova Scotia's rates are higher than those in other jurisdictions due to different criteria and incentives.
07604Compliance Filing 8/2/2011
6 passages
Large Wind 8-2-11 no tax Page 1 Nova Scotia COMFIT Model Large Wind (Over 50 kW) EBIT DA 478 ,304 476 ,825 475 ,317 473 ,780 472 ,213 470 ,616 468 ,987 467 ,327 465 ,635 463 ,909 462 ,150 460 ,357 458 ,530 456 ,666 454 ,767 450 ,711 448 ,7...
AI summary The document presents a financial table related to the Nova Scotia COMFIT Model for Large Wind (Over 50 kW), showing EBITDA and various reserve-related financial figures over time, including the release of debt service reserves and other maintenance reserves.
Page 2 Large Wind 8-2-11 no tax Nov a S ia C OM FIT Mo del cot Ca sh Flo w W ork she Bot et: tom Syn e C aps lian om p ce Lar Win ge d n o ta x
AI summary The document appears to be a table related to a financial model, possibly involving a large wind project in Nova Scotia, with a 'no tax' designation. It includes references to the COMFIT model and cash flow worksheets.
Page 2 Biomass 8-2-11 85% availability no fuel Nova Scotia COMFIT Model Cash Flo w worksh eet: Botto om Synapse Complian ice 85% A vailability No Fuel $ Ye 1 0 Bo i ler hau l ( ) ar- ove r $ 0 $ 2 0 3, 8 4 0 $ 2 0 3, 8 4 0 An l Fue l Us (...
AI summary The text presents a table from the Nova Scotia COMFIT Model related to biomass availability and fuel costs, including data on fuel usage, plant capacity, and boiler operations. It includes financial figures and operational metrics for a biomass plant with 85% availability and no fuel.
Biomass CHP Cost Scenarios Synapse Compliance 85% Availability No Fuel Capacity I act 013. Extraction 60% Condensing 25% Total 85% Calculation of fuel costs: extraction Condensing turbine size (kW): 1550 2050 Boiler efficiency (%) 70% 70%...
AI summary The text presents a detailed breakdown of fuel costs and capacity calculations for a biomass combined heat and power (CHP) project with 85% availability and no fuel. It includes turbine sizes, boiler efficiency, fuel use in mmBtu, and various cost components such as development, equipment, interconnection, and financing.
Page 2 Biomass 8-2-11 90% availability no fuel Nova Scotia COMFIT Model Cash Flov w workshe et: Botton n Synaps e Complia ance 90% / Availabilit / no Fuel Occ 1 urre nce Occ 431 ,441 431 ,020 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 215 ,721 107 ,860 53,9 30 2...
AI summary The text presents a table from the Nova Scotia COMFIT Model with data related to biomass availability and fuel costs, showing figures for different occurrences and financial metrics such as cash flow and compliance.
Scenarios in $2012 $ Sc ios in 2 0 1 2 en ar $ Inte ion ( ) t rco nne c $ 0 $ 1 9 9, 0 0 0 $ 1 9 9, 0 0 0 Co de ing n ns : 3 0 % $ Ma inte ( ) na nce re ser ve $ 6 5, 2 7 9 $ 8 6, 6 3 2 $ 2 1, 3 5 3 To l: ta 9 0 % $ Wo k ing ita l re ( ) r...
AI summary The document presents financial scenarios from 2012, including various reserves and costs related to maintenance, working capital, and debt service. It also includes calculations for fuel costs and equity closing costs, as well as capacity and generation figures.
20110405-1Hearing Transcript — 4/5/2011 (Synapse Panel, ANSS Panel)
5 passages
Development Corporation? 1 Page 336 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Minas Basin Pulp & Power? 2 we proposed a rate that seemed to reflect a range of 3 different developers and lender-types' opinions. 4 MS. ASHWORTH: M'hm. 5 MR. KEITH: And I'll just add;...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the proposed rate for COMFIT projects and the reluctance of municipalities to participate in them, citing limited access to borrowing and debt. Halifax is noted as having potentially different access to debt compared to other municipalities.
an estimate, it's obviously going to vary - across a number of projects but the impact of that - DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS variable, if we change it on the entire rate, is going to - MR. ROSCOE: Okay. Well, I'm glad you...
AI summary The discussion involves a question about capacity factors for small and large wind turbines, with the speaker asking if the numbers in Exhibits I and J were derived from a comparative analysis of existing turbines in the area. The response indicates that the numbers were based on a wide range of data points.
- have any disagreement with. Page 372 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 1 In general, would you be able to 2 comment on whether they're gross capacity factors or net 3 capacity factors? 4 MR. RICKERSON: In the model, in the 5 margins it says "net of plan...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the distinction between gross and net capacity factors in a model, with the model using net capacity factors after accounting for plant availability and other loss factors. The model's approach was based on stakeholder consensus, and the net capacity factors range from 26% to 32% according to different reports.
- kiln to dry our forest products and get them sold is the - number one goal for us. - So to the extent that we can you - know, to the extent that we have, you know, lumber going - through the kilns, that's the capacity with which we can -...
AI summary The speaker discusses the capacity of drying kilns used for forest products and the uncertainty of future production levels due to market conditions. They emphasize that heat from the power plant will be used for drying kilns when needed, but the exact amount cannot be guaranteed.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS some cases you have to a million dollars on a system NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 615 impact study, you can identify these kinds of constraints 2 MR. BODINGTON: And in the case of 3 these small bio...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the financing of small biomass CHP projects, emphasizing the lack of feasibility for debt financing due to project size and risk. It also clarifies that Nova Scotia Power's 20-megawatt cap was related to lost revenue reviews, not distribution system capacity.