Topic:"Commercial Industrial Programs" in M11630

3.2 2023 Participation Result[s](#page-9-1) [Table 2](#page-9-1) presents E1's 2023 participation results. The table provides a comparison of 2023 participation results to those modelled in the 2023 Plan, the 2023 mid-course participation...

AI summary E1's 2023 participation results show higher-than-expected engagement in Home Energy Assessment and Instant Savings programs, driven by collaboration with Natural Resources Canada and successful campaigns. Challenges included lower-than-anticipated participation in Affordable Single-family Homes due to capacity constraints and issues in Small Business Energy Solutions due to supply chain and staffing problems. The Custom program also faced completion delays.

Program Component - The Direct Installation program is comprised of the Small Business Energy Solutions program component. Small Business Energy Solutions offers small businesses incentives and resources to encourage them to make energy ef...

AI summary The Direct Installation program includes the Small Business Energy Solutions initiative, offering incentives for energy upgrades. Participants can choose between an audit or DIY path, with contractor options. E1 launched a Commercial Direct Install pilot in 2021, providing free efficient measures like LED bulbs and hot water tank wraps, continuing through 2023.

Program Components - The Residential Demand Response program component aims to help facilitate a more flexible residential load that provides residential customers with economic incentives and more visibility and control of their loads. E1...

AI summary The Residential and BNI Demand Response programs aim to enhance load flexibility through economic incentives and customer control. E1 is evaluating pathways like battery control, CPP rates, EV charging, and direct load control for residential customers, while BNI customers may see battery control, curtailment, and direct load management. These initiatives seek to improve grid efficiency and customer engagement.

Education and Outreach Education and Outreach activities included: - in-person attendance at community events, including home shows, trade shows, conventions. - E1's summer events program, where E1 had a booth or display at summer communit...

AI summary Education and Outreach activities included community events, E1's summer events with nine community engagements, radio shows, Green Schools initiatives with training, presentations, and virtual field trips, and outreach in Mi'kmaw communities through the Diverse Communities initiative. Over 28,000 students were reached via Green Schools programs in 2023.

Project Reviews with Follow-up Site Visits or Interviews The Evaluator performed a total of 74 project reviews during the summer and fall of 2023, 51 of which were complemented through site visits and 23 were complemented through phone int...

AI summary The Evaluator conducted 74 project reviews in 2023, including site visits and interviews, to assess programs like Small Business Energy Solutions and Strategic Energy Management. Reviews aimed to validate savings calculations and gather data on free-ridership and spillover effects.

Table 4: 2023 Project Reviews with Follow-up Site Visits or Interviews Program Component Project Reviews Followed by Site Visits Project Reviews Followed by Phone Interviews Total Project Reviews BNI Small Business Energy Solutions 42 - 42...

AI summary Table 4 outlines the number of project reviews conducted in 2023 under various program components, including site visits and phone interviews. The data highlights the distribution of reviews across different initiatives such as Small Business Energy Solutions, Strategic Energy Management, and Custom programs. Energy Model Reviews are also mentioned as a separate section.

Direct Installation Direct Installation consists of one program component, namely Small Business Energy Solutions. In 2023, Direct Installation achieved 7.451 GWh in net energy savings and 1.491 MW in net peak demand savings at the generat...

AI summary The Direct Installation program, specifically the Small Business Energy Solutions component, achieved 7.451 GWh in net energy savings and 1.491 MW in net peak demand savings at the generator in 2023.

Table 10: 2023 Satisfaction Results DSM Program Program Component Participant Satisfaction Partner Satisfaction Residential Residential Efficient Product Rebates Instant Savings - 8.8 Existing Residential Home Energy Assessment 8.3 - Green...

AI summary Table 10 presents 2023 satisfaction results for various demand-side management (DSM) programs, including participant and partner satisfaction scores for components like instant savings, home energy assessments, and strategic energy management. The data highlights varying levels of satisfaction across different program components and participant categories.

Table 12: Evaluated Net Energy Savings at the Generator, 2018-2023 Energy Savings (GWh) Energy Savings (%) a DSM Program Program Component 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Residential Residential Appliance Retirement 2.545...

AI summary Table 12 presents evaluated net energy savings from various DSM programs in Nova Scotia between 2018 and 2023, showing energy savings in GWh and percentages for different program components such as appliance retirement, efficient product rebates, and home energy assessments.

1.1 BER Description BER provides financial incentives in the form of prescriptive rebates or financing to business, non-profit, and institutional (BNI) participants to foster reductions in electricity consumption and peak demand. All busin...

AI summary The Business Energy Rebates (BER) program provides financial incentives to BNI participants in Nova Scotia to reduce electricity consumption and peak demand. The program offers prescriptive rebates and financing, with two services: Application Rebates and Instant Rebates. Specific criteria must be met for eligibility, and rebate amounts were increased in 2022 and 2023 to boost participation. The program aims to achieve significant energy and demand savings by 2023.

The following subsections present evaluation results at the program component level. program net energy and peak demand savings. & lt;sup>2 Peak demand savings include both firm and non-firm loads (the latter being loads that may be interr...

AI summary The document discusses program net energy and peak demand savings, noting that peak demand savings include both firm and non-firm loads. In 2023, 27% of peak demand savings from the Custom Program and 18% from the SEM Program were generated by participants on an interruptible rate.

Table 39: Overall 2023 Custom Incentives Participation and Evaluated Savings Participation Level Gross Gross Savings Net Savings Value Unit Value Unit Value Unit Value

AI summary Table 39 presents data on the participation levels and evaluated savings from custom incentives in 2023, including gross and net savings across different categories. The table provides a structured overview of the impact of these incentives.

B. Participant Recruiting - B1. How do you typically describe the value or benefits or Retrofit to potential participants? - B2. I understand that you are involved in recommending participants that would benefit from an OEM. How are OEMs s...

AI summary The section outlines a series of questions related to participant recruiting in energy efficiency programs. It focuses on how benefits of various programs like Retrofit, OEM, SEM, and BER are communicated to potential participants, the selection of OEMs, and how different programs are differentiated and recommended to participants.

1 SBES Overview This section describes the Small Business Energy Solutions (SBES) program component, follows up on past evaluation recommendations, and provides an overview of participation history.

AI summary This section provides an overview of the Small Business Energy Solutions (SBES) program, discusses past evaluation recommendations, and outlines participation history.

1.1 Description SBES offers incentives and resources to Nova Scotia small businesses to encourage them to make energy efficient upgrades in their facilities. To be eligible, businesses must consume less than 350,000 kWh in electricity annu...

AI summary SBES provides energy efficiency incentives and resources to small businesses in Nova Scotia, with eligibility based on annual electricity consumption. It offers two participation paths: Audit and DIY, with increased incentive amounts and extended project completion timelines since 2020. EOne also launched a CDI pilot in 2021 for direct installation of energy-efficient products.

Contractor Interviews In November 2023, Narrative Research conducted nine interviews with SBES participating contractors. The guide used for these interviews is presented in Appendix V. Participating contractors were grouped by number of p...

AI summary In November 2023, Narrative Research conducted nine interviews with SBES participating contractors, grouped by the number of projects completed, with two contractors randomly selected from each group for the interviews.

Desk Reviews with Site Visits In the fall of 2023, Equilibrium Engineering conducted 42 desk reviews of SBES projects complemented by on-site visits at participant facilities. The site visits also served to collect information on spillover...

AI summary Equilibrium Engineering conducted 42 desk reviews and on-site visits for SBES projects in the fall of 2023 to assess spillover levels. The methodology and protocol are detailed in Appendix VII.

3 SBES Process Evaluation This section presents the results of surveys and interviews with SBES participants, dropped-out participants (businesses that applied to SBES but whose projects had not been completed after a minimum of 8 months),...

AI summary This section evaluates the SBES program through surveys and interviews with participants, dropped-out participants, contractors, and program staff, presenting results by topic and stakeholder group.

Table 8: Motivation to Participate in SBES Main Reason for Participating in SBES 2019 2021 2023 Sample Size 50 50 46 To reduce energy costs 60% 32% 35% To receive rebates 4% 10% 24% To upgrade measures/be more efficient - 22% 20% Already p...

AI summary Table 8 outlines the motivations of participants in the Small Business Energy Solutions (SBES) program from 2019 to 2023. The primary motivation shifted from reducing energy costs to receiving rebates and upgrading measures for efficiency. A significant portion of DIY participants were unaware of the audit option or did not find it necessary for their projects.

Table 9: Barriers to Participation in SBES 20 17 20 19 20 21 20 23 Barriers to Measure Implementation Sample Size Mean Sample Size Mean Sample Size Mean Sample Size Mean Financial challenges, even after rebate, such as lack of funds, takin...

AI summary Table 9 presents data on barriers to participation in the Small Business Energy Solutions (SBES) program, highlighting financial challenges, time constraints, and lack of knowledge or support as key issues. The data shows varying levels of concern across different years and sample sizes.

3.2.3 Contractor Perspectives As presented in [Figure](#page-183-1) 6 below, contractors did not consider competing projects or high demand for construction services to be a barrier preventing them from completing more energy efficiency pr...

AI summary Contractors involved in the SBES program did not view competing projects or high demand for construction services as major barriers to completing energy efficiency projects. They also noted that supply chain delays and limited qualified tradespeople slightly impacted project timelines but not client participation. Up-front costs and the SBES application timeframe were identified as significant barriers to small businesses completing energy efficiency projects.

Among the small number (n=5) of participants who expressed dissatisfaction with one or more aspects of SBES, reasons included the process/program taking too long (1 mention), expecting to receive a rebate for certain equipment installed bu...

AI summary A small number of SBES participants expressed dissatisfaction due to delays, rebate disqualifications, and low incentive levels. The program achieved a high Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 91 in 2023, indicating strong participant satisfaction with most participants being promoters.

Small Business Energy Solutions Appendix I SBES: EOne Staff Interview Guide Appendix II SBES: Participant Survey Guide Appendix III SBES: Participant Survey Results Appendix IV SBES: Dropped-out Participant Interview Guide Appendix V SBES:...

AI summary The document includes various appendices related to the Smart Building Energy Solutions (SBES) program, including interview guides, survey results, audit sheets, sampling methodologies, algorithms, and recommendations from 2023.

- 2. No [SAY "PERHAPS YOU CAN HELP ME ANYWAY." CONTINUE] Hello, my name is and I am calling from Narrative Research, a Halifax-based survey research company. We are performing an evaluation of energy efficiency services and programs provid...

AI summary A representative from Narrative Research is contacting a business that participated in Efficiency Nova Scotia's Small Business Energy Solutions Program to gather feedback on the program's effectiveness. The information will be used to evaluate and improve the program.

B. Awareness and Motivations for Participating - B1. How did you learn about Efficiency Nova Scotia's Small Business Energy Solutions Program? [ DO NOT READ. MULTIPLE RESPONSE] - 1. From a contractor - 2. From an equipment vendor - 3. From...

AI summary The text outlines survey questions related to awareness and motivations for participating in Efficiency Nova Scotia's Small Business Energy Solutions Program, focusing on how participants learned about the program, who initiated the discussion, and the reasons for participation.

C. Free-Ridership for Audit Path [IF PROJECT TYPE IS AUDIT IN SAMPLE, ASK [C1](#page-17-0) TO [C9;](#page-19-0) OTHERWISE SKIP TO FREE-RIDERSHIP FOR DIY PATH (SECTION [D)](#page-19-1)] - C1. BEFORE learning about Small Business Energy Solu...

AI summary This section of the regulatory proceeding document asks questions about free-ridership in the context of the Small Business Energy Solutions Program. It explores whether businesses would have installed energy-efficient upgrades without the rebate or audit, and how likely they would have paid for the upgrades without financial assistance.

0-10 SCALE WITH END POINT LABELS– RECORD NUMBER - 98. Don't know - 99. Refused [READ FIRST TIME THROUGH ONLY] I would like to ask you to consider what actions your business would have taken if there was no Small Business Energy Solutions p...

AI summary The text asks respondents to consider their business actions without the Small Business Energy Solutions program and to rate their likelihood on a 0-10 scale, with 0 being 'Very Unlikely' and 10 being 'Very Likely.'

[DO NOT ACCEPT A RANGE – ASK [C6](#page-18-0) TO [C9](#page-19-0) SEQUENCE IN ORDER/DO NOT RANDOMIZE; REPEAT SCALE ONLY AS NECESSARY] C6. If there was no program rebate, no financing, and no audit, what is the likelihood that you would hav...

AI summary This section of the regulatory proceeding document includes a survey question (C6) asking about the likelihood of installing less efficient equipment or retaining old equipment without program rebates, financing, or audits. It also references a follow-up question (C7) related to the number of energy-efficient upgrades installed through the Small Business Energy Solutions program.

[IF PROJECT TYPE=DIY AND HVAC=YES, ASK [D10](#page-22-1) TO [D16;](#page-23-0) OTHERWISE SKIP TO SECTION [E]](#page-24-0) The next questions will be about the heat pumps that were rebated or financed through the Program and installed in yo...

AI summary The text presents a series of questions aimed at understanding the impact of the Small Business Energy Solutions Program on the installation of heat pumps in businesses. It asks whether businesses had already decided to install heat pumps before learning about the program and whether they would have proceeded without the rebate or financing.

[VOLUNTEERED] - 98. Don't Know - 99. Refused [READ FIRST TIME THROUGH ONLY] I would like to ask you to consider what actions your business would have taken if there was no Small Business Energy Solutions program. For the next questions, an...

AI summary The text asks the respondent to consider their business actions without the Small Business Energy Solutions program and rate their likelihood on a scale from 0 to 10.

READ AND ROTATE [(E1](#page-24-1) + [E2](#page-24-2) TO [E4)](#page-24-3) AND [(E5](#page-25-0) + [E6](#page-25-1) TO [E8)](#page-25-2) SEQUENCES - E1. Before participating in the Small Business Energy Solutions program in 2023 , had your...

AI summary The text includes survey questions related to participation in the Small Business Energy Solutions program and previous engagement with Efficiency Nova Scotia programs and promotional materials. It explores the influence of past participation and promotional efforts on business decisions regarding energy efficiency upgrades.

F. Satisfaction with Program F1. [NET PROMOTER SCORE] Using a scale from 0 to 10 where 0 is "Definitely would not" and 10 is "Definitely would", what is the likelihood that you recommend the Small Business Energy Solutions program to other...

AI summary The section asks participants to rate their likelihood of recommending the Small Business Energy Solutions program to others on a scale from 0 to 10, with 0 being 'Definitely would not' and 10 being 'Definitely would'.

These final questions are asked for statistical purposes only. The information collected is strictly confidential. These final questions are asked for statistical purposes only. The information collected is strictly confidential. H1. What...

AI summary This document contains a set of confidential statistical questions aimed at collecting information about job titles and the main activities of facilities where energy efficiency improvements were installed under the Small Business Energy Solutions Program.

B1. How did you learn about Efficiency Nova Scotia's Small Business Energy Solutions Program? 2023 2021 Sample Size 46 50 From a contractor 24% - From a contractor, equipment vendor, energy consultant - 24% Through experience with the prog...

AI summary The table shows how participants learned about Efficiency Nova Scotia's Small Business Energy Solutions Program in 2023 and 2021, with the most common sources being contractors, experience with the program, and the ENS website.

B2. Who initiated the discussion about participating in the Small Business Energy Solutions program? Would you say... 2023 2021 Sample Size 46 50 You/your business initiated it 57% 44% Your contractor initiated it 24% 28% The idea arose in...

AI summary The text provides survey data on participation in the Small Business Energy Solutions program. It shows that a majority of participants initiated the discussion themselves, with a primary motivation being cost reduction. There is also information on awareness and use of the energy audit option within the program.

Base: Respondents who had an audit C7. If there was no program rebate, no financing, and no audit, what is the likelihood that you would have installed exactly the same number of energy-efficient upgrades that were installed through the Sm...

AI summary The question asks respondents who had an audit about the likelihood of installing the same number of energy-efficient upgrades without the Small Business Energy Solutions program's rebate, financing, or audit.

E7. The promotion of energy efficiency carried out by Efficiency Nova Scotia prompted you to consider installing energy efficiency measures in your facility before participating in the Small Business Energy Solutions Program.

AI summary Efficiency Nova Scotia's promotion of energy efficiency influenced the consideration of installing energy efficiency measures before participating in the Small Business Energy Solutions Program.

F. Satisfaction with SBES F1. Using a scale from 0 to 10 where 0 is "Definitely would not" and 10 is "Definitely would", what is the likelihood that you recommend the Small Business Energy Solutions program to other business owners or mana...

AI summary This section asks participants to rate on a scale from 0 to 10 how likely they are to recommend the Small Business Energy Solutions (SBES) program to other business owners or managers, with 0 being 'Definitely would not' and 10 being 'Definitely would'.

Financial challenge, even after rebate, such as lack of funds, taking too long to recoup the investment, and so on. 2023 Sample Size 46 MEAN 6.0 Mean excludes responses of 'Not applicable', 'Don't know/Don't recall' and 'Refused'.

AI summary The text highlights a financial challenge faced by participants, even after receiving rebates, including issues such as lack of funds and difficulty in recouping investments. The data from 2023 shows a sample size of 46 with a mean of 6.0.

H1. What is your job title or role? 2023 2021 Sample Size 46 50 President/CEO/Owner 48% 38% Manager 15% 18% Other financial/administrative position 15% 12% Director 4% 8% Other facilities management/maintenance position 4% - Facilities Man...

AI summary This section provides statistical data on the roles, facility types, employment sizes, ownership, and business structures of participants in the Small Business Energy Solutions Program in 2023 and 2021. It highlights trends in job titles, facility activities, and business independence.

Table 1: Overview of Data Collection Activity Descriptor This Instrument Instrument Type Semi-structured interviews Estimated Time to Complete 20 minutes Target Audience Participants whose projects have been in process for 9-12 months Expe...

AI summary The document outlines data collection activities through semi-structured interviews targeting small business participants in energy efficiency programs. The research objectives include understanding participation barriers, engagement, and service satisfaction, with a focus on Efficiency Nova Scotia and the Small Business Energy Solutions program.

Introduction Hello, may I please speak with? Hello, my name is, from Narrative Research, a Halifax-based Canadian research company. We are conducting an evaluation of the Small Business Energy Solutions Program provided by Efficiency Nova...

AI summary The introduction presents an evaluation of the Small Business Energy Solutions Program by Narrative Research, a Halifax-based research company, conducted on behalf of Efficiency Nova Scotia.

B. Screening - B1. Were you involved in the application process or the decision to participate in the Small Business Energy Solutions Program? - 1. Yes, involved in the application process - 2. Yes, involved in the decision to participate...

AI summary This section asks respondents if they were involved in the application process or the decision to participate in the Small Business Energy Solutions Program and collects contact information if they were not involved in the application process.

[ASK IF B2 = 1 "PROJECT IS IN PROGRESS"] C1. Why has your business not yet completed the Small Business Energy Solutions program project for which you applied for on [APPLICATION DATE] ? [ASK IF B2 = 4 "PROJECT STOPPED OR DISCONTINUED BY C...

AI summary The text asks a business why it has not completed the Small Business Energy Solutions program project and inquires about the point at which the business decided to stop or discontinue participation in the program.

E. Spillover I have just a few questions left. - E1. Since applying for the Small Business Energy Solutions program in [MONTH/YEAR] , have you purchased and installed any energy saving upgrades without a rebate from Efficiency Nova Scotia?...

AI summary The section 'E. Spillover' includes questions about participation in the Small Business Energy Solutions program and whether energy-saving upgrades were installed without rebates from Efficiency Nova Scotia.

Upgrades Describe the upgrade in detail How many did you install? For Insulation ask: How many SQ FT of insulation did you install? Lighting – how many lamps and was the wattage difference between old and new lights? [OPEN-ENDED] [NUMERIC]...

AI summary The text outlines a table for reporting energy upgrades, including details on the type of upgrade, description, and quantity installed. It also includes a question about the influence of the Small Business Energy Solutions program on decisions to install upgrades without incentives.

Introduction Hello, may I speak with [Contact name]? My name is and I am calling from Narrative Research, a market research firm. Efficiency Nova Scotia has mandated the evaluation of its Small Business Energy Solutions Program and they in...

AI summary Efficiency Nova Scotia has mandated an evaluation of its Small Business Energy Solutions Program. The evaluation involves contacting contractors who have worked with businesses participating in the program to gather their perspectives.

Desk Review Protocol The 2023 SBES desk review protocol was prepared based on the 2022 protocol. The measure-specific data sections provide the parameters required for savings calculations based on the data documented in the CIRx Screening...

AI summary The 2023 SBES desk review protocol was developed from the 2022 version. It relies on data from the CIRx Screening Tool v1.5 and includes measure-specific details like types, quantities, and operation during peak demand periods. Most fields were filled out before on-site visits using data provided by EOne.

Table 1: FR – Audit Path C3. If your business had not received the free audit of your facility by a certified energy auditor, would you have identified the opportunity for the energy efficient upgrades that you installed? IF 1. Yes: EMPTY...

AI summary The table explores whether businesses that did not receive a free energy audit would have identified opportunities for energy-efficient upgrades. The response options include 'Yes' with no input required or 'No/DK/REF' with 0% as the value.

Table 116: ENERGY STAR Certified Pool Pump Measure Summary 127 Table 117: Unitary Savings Values of ENERGY STAR Certified Pool Pumps 128 Table 118: Three-element Water Heater Measure Summary 129 Table 119: Domestic Water Heater Timer Measu...

AI summary The text lists a series of tables containing summaries and savings values for various energy efficiency measures, including ENERGY STAR certified pool pumps, water heater timers, LED lamps, and occupancy sensors, among others. These tables provide detailed data on energy savings and performance metrics for different efficiency programs.

Summary [Table](#page-73-0) 124 presents a summary of the values used to calculate A-type, reflector, and decorative LED lamp savings. These measures are only offered through the Commercial Direct Install (CDI) pilot and use unitary saving...

AI summary Table 124 summarizes the values used to calculate savings for A-type, reflector, and decorative LED lamps, which are only available through the Commercial Direct Install (CDI) pilot and use unitary savings values instead of measure-specific calculations.

SBES

AI summary The text introduces SBES, which stands for Small Business Energy Solutions, but does not provide further details on its scope, objectives, or current status in the regulatory proceeding.

Program Specific Recommendations

AI summary The document outlines program-specific recommendations for energy efficiency initiatives in Nova Scotia, including appliance retirement, home energy assessments, and residential and commercial incentive programs. Key entities and acronyms related to these programs are detailed in the context.

DSMAG Member Comments E1 Response Small Business Advocate (SBA) The SBA notes that the Savings Verification Report includes several recommendations that are pertinent to the SBA customer classes. The recommendations are consistent with SBA...

AI summary The Small Business Advocate (SBA) highlights that the Savings Verification Report's recommendations align with their past feedback to EfficiencyOne (E1), emphasizing the need for programs benefiting small businesses. These recommendations are viewed as consistent with the SBA's historical positions on improving support for small business customers.

BNI Strategic Energy Management (SEM): SVR-5: SEM program administrators must strengthen reporting to show incorporation of Pre/Post metering or some comparable form of submetering or EMIS system reporting as a robust form of energy data c...

AI summary The document outlines SVR-5 and SVR-6 requirements for the SEM program, emphasizing improved energy data collection and participant surveys to quantify spillover savings. E1 highlights efforts to enhance small business support, including expanded eligibility and new measures in the Commercial Direct Install pilot, and reports on SVR implementation progress in its Q2 2024 DSM Report.

DSMAG Member Comments E1 Response Small Business Energy Solutions (SBES): SVR-7: Shifts in program delivery and promotion away from account manager interactions and the subsequent decline in Audit-path project numbers are negatively impact...

AI summary E1 responds to DSMAG member comments regarding the Small Business Energy Solutions (SBES) program. E1 disagrees with SVR-7, citing a 150% increase in audit projects in 2023 due to internal process improvements. E1 agrees with SVR-8, planning a non-participant spillover survey in 2024. The SBA commends E1's efforts to improve program efficiency and looks forward to reviewing the 2026-2030 Plan.