Topic:"Demand Side Management Advisory Group" in M12282

set out in the National Standard Practice Manual (“NSPM”) for Distributed Energy Resources (“DER”); 3 b) Nova Scotia’s policy goals and objectives, as articulated in legislation; c) input from the DSMAG during workshops; and d) Nova Scotia...

AI summary The document outlines the proposed Best Interest of Customers (BCA) test design, incorporating non-utility system impacts like greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants, aligned with Nova Scotia's sustainability goals. Inputs included the DSMAG's workshop feedback, policy objectives, and E1's DSM Plan performance data.

in the “Other Fuels” category. Resilience is embedded in “Host Customer” category. Public Health impacts embedded in “GHG Emissions” and “Other Environmental” categories. 22. The electric utility system impacts are the same impact categori...

AI summary The text outlines impact categories under the TRC test and new non-utility system impacts, including commodity costs of other fuels, host customer benefits, resilience, GHG emissions, and public health effects. E1 proposes an 'evergreen' periodic review of the BCA test via DSMAG to ensure alignment with current data and policy objectives.

............................................... 18 7.4 Steps Informing EFG Report ...................................................................................................... 20 DATE FILED: May 16, 2025 i EfficiencyOne Benefit-Co...

AI summary The document outlines the design objectives and guiding principles for a Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) test application by EfficiencyOne. It emphasizes adherence to Nova Scotia policy objectives, NSPM guidelines, and DSMAG processes, focusing on best practices, transparency, and evergreen evaluation frameworks for energy efficiency initiatives.

......................................... 25 9.2 NSPM Guidelines ....................................................................................................................... 25 9.3 DSMAG Input ......................................

AI summary The document outlines a regulatory analysis comparing the current TRC test with a proposed BCA test, emphasizing non-utility system impacts like societal and host customer effects. It includes DSMAG input, NSPM guidelines, and test case runs on heat pumps, reflecting a shift toward broader impact assessments in energy efficiency programs.

Page 18 of 38 EfficiencyOne Benefit-Cost Analysis Test Application Evidence 1 • E1 2 • Synapse Energy Economics, on behalf of Board Counsel 3 • Consumer Advocate 4 • Nova Scotia Power Inc. 5 • Small Business Advocate 6 • Industrial Group 7...

AI summary The text outlines the entities involved in the EfficiencyOne Benefit-Cost Analysis Test Application and details the meetings of the DSMAG from December 2023 to January 2023, discussing the development of a BCA framework and reviewing homework assignments related to the 2023-2025 DSM Plan.

tribution, and general/other). EFG 20 also reviewed the homework results. The group identified areas of agreement, differing opinions 21 materiality of impacts, and dissenting views. 22 • Session 3 - March 4, 2024: the DSMAG reviewed the d...

AI summary The DSMAG participated in multiple sessions reviewing the BCA framework report and impact quantification methodologies, focusing on 'other fuel' and GHG emissions impacts, as well as non-energy impacts. Feedback was provided on draft and revised reports, with a focus on quantifying key impacts.

6, 2025 Page 19 of 38 EfficiencyOne Benefit-Cost Analysis Test Application Evidence 1 • Session 6 - July 15, 2024: the DSMAG reviewed and discussed societal impacts beyond 2 greenhouse gases, host customer impacts, and societal non-energy...

AI summary The document outlines the steps taken by EfficiencyOne and EFG in developing the new BCA test, following the NSPM procedure. It highlights the DSMAG's involvement in reviewing societal impacts and providing feedback on the EFG report.

lance between 5 the materiality of impacts, and the importance of transparency in measuring all relevant impacts. 6 7 Each of these design objectives is discussed more fully in this section. 8 9 8.1 EXTENSIVE DSMAG PROCESS 10 E1 recognizes...

AI summary E1 is developing a new Best Interest of Customers (BCA) test by following a structured DSMAG consultation process and aligning with the NSPM guidelines. This process ensures the test is comprehensive, technology-neutral, and consistent with Nova Scotia legislation and policy goals.

valuable feedback and discussion 21 with the DSMAG members through recurring DSMAG meetings, which covered every aspect of the 22 proposed BCA test methodology (discussed in section 7.3 above). 23 24 10. COMPONENTS OF NEW BCA TEST 25 This...

AI summary The document outlines the key differences between the current TRC Test and the proposed new BCA Test, emphasizing the inclusion of non-utility system impacts, particularly the commodity costs of gas in the 'Other Fuels' category under the BCA Test.

Page 26 of 38 EfficiencyOne Benefit-Cost Analysis Test Application Evidence 1 10.2 UTILITY SYSTEM IMPACTS 2 Utility System Impacts, or “USIs”, are elements of electricity or gas systems required to deliver service to 3 utility customers. U...

AI summary The document discusses Utility System Impacts (USIs) under the new BCA test, which include generation, transmission, and distribution. These impacts are categorized and include energy generation, with examples such as the production or procurement of energy on behalf of customers. This category is included in the new BCA proposed by EfficiencyOne.

Page 11 of 18 EfficiencyOne Benefit-Cost Analysis Test Application Appendix A 1 4. Data Sources and Their Application in Developing the 2 Recommended BCA Framework 3 Q: What data sources and collection were used by EFG during the work with...

AI summary EFG used data from Canadian and U.S. sources, including E1 and Nova Scotia Power, in developing the recommended Nova Scotia benefit-cost analysis test framework. The National Energy Screening Project's National Standard Practice Manual was referenced for methodological guidance. Data usage is detailed in Table 3, with updates expected for the 2027-2031 DSM portfolio screening.

ne Benefit-Cost Analysis Test Application Appendix A 1 Figure 2: Illustrative Results Using Prior TRC Test1 2 3 4 The most significant difference between the recommended new Nova Scotia test and the prior 5 TRC test is the latter excludes...

AI summary The text discusses the differences between the new Nova Scotia test and the prior TRC test, noting that the latter excludes other fuel impacts and certain benefits. It also references a direct testimony by David G. Hill, Ph.D., on behalf of EfficiencyOne, regarding the development of the new test and interactions with the DSMAG.

th DSMAG 2 Stakeholders 3 Q: Please summarize the workshops held with the DSMAG that were held to review and gather 4 feedback on the development of the recommended new Nova Scotia Test. 5 A: EFG convened and facilitated a series of seven...

AI summary EFG convened and facilitated seven remote working group meetings with the DSMAG to review and gather feedback on the development of the recommended new Nova Scotia Test. Regular attendees included representatives from various organizations, and the final report reflected input from these sessions, though it did not represent a consensus.

the BCA 3 test. For both USIs and NUSIs, the group discussed areas of general agreement, varying opinions, 4 identified categories which may not be material, and identified dissenting opinions. 5 At the third workshop, the working group re...

AI summary The testimony discusses the development and refinement of the Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) framework, including workshops focused on quantifying impacts, reviewing draft reports, and gathering feedback from the Demand Side Management Advisory Group (DSMAG). The process involved multiple stages of review and discussion, culminating in feedback on the final BCA report and the recommended Nova Scotia BCA test.

E1 Responses to Eastward Energy Inc. (Eastward Energy) Information Requests NON-CONFIDENTIAL - (b) EfficiencyOne (E1) does not have a proposed strategic electrification plan. E1 is considering the inclusion of strategic electrification as...

AI summary E1 does not currently have a strategic electrification plan but intends to include it in its 2027-2031 DSM Plan. Evaluating hybrid peaking or dual fuel opportunities is outside the scope of this application but may be considered in future planning. NS Power will participate in DSM Plan development via the DSMAG.

9 Impact Category Impact Type Impact Work Products Societal Impacts Other Environmental E1 expects to propose quantification to the DSMAG (with potential support from external consultants) Public Health Considered to be captured in the Oth...

AI summary The text discusses societal impacts, focusing on environmental and public health considerations. E1 plans to propose quantification of environmental impacts to the DSMAG, potentially with external consultant support. Public health impacts are considered to be captured under other environmental impacts.

ation of how E1 proposes to address the contents of Appendix - A of the NSPM (Rate Impacts) including which tests would be applied, and at which stage of - the BCA approval? Response IR-11: - The National Standard Practice Manual's (NSPM)...

AI summary E1 responds to the Industrial Group's query about addressing NSPM Rate Impacts and BCA approval by stating that rate impacts are separate from cost-effectiveness analyses. E1 conducts a Rate and Bill Impact Analysis (RBIA) alongside DSM Plan Applications, aligning with NSPM recommendations. References include M12282 and M12249.

nd c) proxy host customer non-energy benefits are estimated based on a set of proxy adders that were developed by EFG and reviewed with the Demand Side Management Advisory Group (DSMAG).[3](#page-4-1) Table 7 in the EFG Report[4](#page-4-2...

AI summary The document discusses how non-energy benefits for proxy host customers are estimated using proxy adders developed by EFG and reviewed by the DSMAG. It also references various Nova Scotia policies, regulations, and external guidance to support the inclusion of health impacts, avoided damages from greenhouse gas emissions, and host customer impacts in the BCA. Indirect benefits and costs are excluded from the BCA.

1 Request IR-14: 2 3 With regards to Table 7 on page 30 of 38 of E1's Evidence: 4 5 (a) Please describe the environmental compliance costs that are embedded in the 6 commodity price. 7 8 (b) Please describe the non-embedded environment and...

AI summary The text details a regulatory proceeding involving questions about environmental compliance costs and proxy values used in assessing host customer non-energy impacts. E1 and EFG provide responses outlining how compliance costs are embedded in commodity prices and how proxy values are developed and applied in performance requirements.

1 Request IR-24: 2 3 Reference: Appendix A, Mr. Hill's Evidence 4 5 With regards to Table 2 on page 11 of 18 of Mr. Hill's evidence: 6 7 (a) Please provide the names of the DSMAG organizations that provided completed 8 homework assignments...

AI summary The document requests information about the Demand Side Management Advisory Group (DSMAG), including the names of organizations that provided homework assignments and the number of DSMAG members. The response refers to EfficiencyOne's previous submission and outlines that there are thirteen members of the DSMAG, including EfficiencyOne and the Consumer Advocate.

1 Request IR-07: 2 3 Refer to Exhibit E-1, the Application, Table 2, page 4 of 38. For each listed state: 4 5 (a) Please provide the specific state's stated policy objectives, legislation, or publicly 6 adopted goals that align with Nova S...

AI summary The response to Request IR-07 indicates that Energy Futures Group (EFG) did not conduct a detailed comparison of cost-effectiveness testing between Nova Scotia and other jurisdictions. Instead, EFG focused on developing a Nova Scotia-specific benefit cost analysis (BCA) aligned with local policy objectives. The information in Table 2 was provided for context but was not central to the BCA development process.

but not host customer benefits. [1](#page-13-0) Please refer to Table 4 of Appendix A (reproduced below)[2](#page-13-1) and the associated discussion. Cost Effectiveness Test Impact Category New Nova Scotia Test Total Resource Cost Test (N...

AI summary The document discusses the Nova Scotia proposed Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA) test, which aligns with the National Standard Performance Manual (NSPM) and includes new impact categories such as other fuels, criteria air pollutants, and host customer non-energy benefits. The test was developed with input from the Demand Side Management Advisory Group (DSMAG) and reflects legislative changes, including the Energy Reform Act and amendments to the Public Utilities Act.

Request IR-15: Referring to Exhibit E-1, the Report, Page 45 of 68, Table 14, please explain how the percentages in columns 2 and 3 are created – what are the data points that are used to create the percentage? (a) Please explain how the c...

AI summary The response to Request IR-15 explains that the percentages in Table 14 of the EFG Report are based on expert opinion and stakeholder discussions, and are consistent with the NSPM's principles for handling hard-to-quantify impacts. The use of reliable data where available is emphasized, though some impacts may lack current studies.

Refer to pages 8 and 9 of the Evidence of David Hill, regarding the statements "The numbers in the cells of this table indicate how many of the DSMAG organizations indicated each policy (in the rows) was relevant to each impact category (i...

AI summary The response explains that policy relevance indicates support for inclusion in a BCA test by aligning with Nova Scotia's policy goals and objectives, as per the NSPM. EFG and DSMAG reviewed policies to determine relevant impact categories for the BCA test.

3 1 Request IR-06: 2 3 Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 on pages 15 and 16 of the Evidence of David Hill. Please provide 4 Figure 1 and Figure 2 and all supporting analysis and workpapers in Microsoft Excel format with 5 all cells unlocked,...

AI summary The text outlines requests and responses from a regulatory proceeding, including requests for documents, instructions given to the DSMAG, and clarification on the inclusion of utility system impacts in the Nova Scotia Test. Energy Futures Group (EFG) provides responses referencing EfficiencyOne and the National Standard Practice Manual (NSPM).

le, and the recommended values by impact category and market segment were shared and reviewed with the Demand Side Management Advisory Group (DSMAG) in workshops 4-6, and during follow on discussions. If over time, through evaluation or ot...

AI summary The document discusses the review of recommended values by the Demand Side Management Advisory Group (DSMAG) and the Energy Futures Group's (EFG) stance on delaying the approval of a new Nova Scotia jurisdictional test for a new E1 DSM portfolio until further studies are available.

- (d) No, under the proposed approach of using the non-incentivized measure cost as the basis for calculation, the estimated host customer non-energy benefit would not increase. 1 Request IR-20: 2 3 EFG states that the "consultant team dev...

AI summary The response to IR-20 refers to EfficiencyOne's workpapers for Levelized NEI calculations, while IR-21 questions the resilience benefits of EVs and the materiality of public health impacts. EFG acknowledges insufficient development of vehicle-to-building support in their analysis.

1 Q. What is the justification for including the new non-utility impacts? - 2 A. As part of the DSMAG process, EFG asked working group members to complete a - 3 homework assignment where they considered applicable policies and legislation...

AI summary The justification for including new non-utility impacts is discussed in the context of the DSMAG process, where EFG asked working group members to consider applicable policies and legislation and their relation to BCA impact categories, as summarized in Table 3.

total net benefits of hybrid solutions for Nova Scotians. These initiatives bear consideration by the DSMAG, and Eastward's participation will ensure the DSMAG is aware of developments in these areas. In response to Eastward's IR-02(a), an...

AI summary Eastward seeks DSMAG membership to inform discussions on hybrid solutions and electrification. E1 plans to include strategic electrification and hybrid peaking in its 2027-2031 DSM plan, considering cost benefits. Eastward emphasizes its role in advancing these initiatives through DSMAG collaboration.

E1 Response - E1 agrees that the internalized cost of carbon for gas and other fuels should be included in these specific - impacts similar to the electric utility's avoided cost of energy, and not included in the externalized cost of - ca...

AI summary E1 agrees that internalized carbon costs for gas should be included in the PAC like electric utility avoided costs, but not in externalized carbon costs. E1 emphasizes that only electric utility avoided costs (including internalized carbon) are currently in the PAC.

6 7. EASTWARD EVIDENCE

AI summary The document section 'EASTWARD EVIDENCE' introduces evidence submissions in a Nova Scotia regulatory proceeding. Key entities include Nova Scotia Power (NSP) and the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB), with acronyms like BCA and DSM referenced for analysis and management frameworks.

36 1 Nova Scotia Power Incorporated (Re) , 2009 NSUARB 116 (CanLII), [ ](https://canlii.ca/t/25bsh). 1 2 3 4 The Industrial Group would also reiterate to the Board (and E1) that E1's references throughout its evidence to the Proposed E1 BC...

AI summary The Industrial Group clarifies that references to the Proposed E1 BCA and non-energy benefits in E1's evidence do not imply consensus or endorsement by the DSMAG or the Industrial Group. The statement is part of an opening submission by Nancy G. Rubin and Brianne Rudderham on September 11, 2025.

Strategic Electrification Eastward Energy has reviewed the evidence in this proceeding, and this Application is the first time that E1 has substantively referred to the potential for it to start strategic electrification, and it has provid...

AI summary Eastward Energy advocates for strategic electrification, proposing a BCA test to evaluate gas-to-electric conversions. The Gas Distribution Act amendment mandates hybrid peaking resources, aligning with Nova Scotia Power's IRP findings showing $2.3B savings in hybrid peak scenarios. Eastward Energy emphasizes DSMAG's role in the 2027-2031 DSM Plan.

its proposed New Benefit-Cost Analysis Test. - Reference: Evidence Pages 18/19: E1 indicates that the identified DSMAG members participated in workshops led by E1s Consultant Energy Futures Group, Inc. - (a) Please confirm that Eastward En...

AI summary The text references a proposed New Benefit-Cost Analysis Test and asks whether Eastward Energy can join the DSMAG and whether E1 would implement a heat pump replacement program with a negative net benefit. It also references evidence about the financial impact of replacing natural gas with heat pumps.

n. And if you consider the revenue they're going to get from selling that power, it's more than 13 million. So that would pass a PAC test and lower net cost to customers. It would pass 79I of the Act. We've run an electrification program,...

AI summary The text discusses revenue from power sales passing a PAC test and lowering customer costs, aligning with 79I of the Act. Electrification programs, while incurring costs, generate more revenue. Bowman argues E1 (EfficiencyOne) must consider broader cost savings beyond BCA metrics. Eastward highlights the value of Eastward's potential DSMAG involvement in advising E1's 2027-2031 plan.

INTRODUCTION NS Power acknowledges the significant effort and collaboration that took place through the Demand Side Management Advisory Group (DSMAG) process to arrive at the proposal now before the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB, Board) f...

AI summary NS Power submits a proposal for a new Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA) Test, emphasizing cost-effective demand-side management (DSM) under section 79I of the Public Utilities Act. The submission outlines NS Power's and EfficiencyOne's (E1) positions, legal review, and recommendations to the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB). The focus is on affordability and cost reduction obligations.

rees that assessing strategic electrification programs that do both, reduce emissions (on a net tonnage basis) and electricity costs, must be evaluated in order for the Board to approve such programs. Regarding consideration of the purpose...

AI summary The document discusses the evaluation of strategic electrification programs by the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) under the More Access to Energy Act (MAEA) and Public Utilities Act (PUA). It emphasizes the legal principle that specific provisions (e.g., DSM in PUA) override general ones (MAEA's purposes). Section 79L(4) of the Energy and Regulatory Boards Act (ERBA) requires the Board to approve demand-side management (DSM) programs in customers' best interests.