Topic:"Demand Side Management Advisory Group" in M12780

21 Table 6: Preferred Plan – Average Rate Impacts by Resource over 2027-2046 Residential Small General General Large General Small Industrial Medium Industrial Large Industrial Municipal DSM (All Resources) 0.58% 0.88% 0.74% 0.33% 0.76% -0...

AI summary Table 6 presents the average rate impacts by resource over the period 2027-2046 for various customer classes. The table highlights the impact of different resources such as DSM, Energy Efficiency, Demand Response, and Solar-PV on residential, small general, general, large general, small industrial, medium industrial, large industrial, and municipal customers.

2.2.7 2023–2026 DSM PLAN RATE CLASS RESULTS - 7 E1 has provided 2023–2025 rate class results, in addition to 2026 DSM Extension anticipated results, - 8 compared to the approved 2023–2026 Plan, in Table 2, below. 9 10 11 12 13 14 2025 actu...

AI summary E1 has provided 2023–2025 rate class results and 2026 DSM Extension anticipated results, compared to the approved 2023–2026 Plan. 2025 actual expenditures were slightly lower than the approved 2025 Plan, with the medium industrial rate class showing higher spending due to increased participation in the BNI Demand Response program.

3.1 DSMAG ENGAGEMENT IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS DSMAG engagement played a central role in development of the 2027–2031 DSM Preferred Plan. Throughout the planning process, E1 engaged a range of DSMAG members including rate class representa...

AI summary DSMAG played a central role in developing the 2027–2031 DSM Preferred Plan through iterative engagement with stakeholders, including government representatives, industry groups, and experts. E1 incorporated feedback via modelling reviews, written submissions, and meetings, shaping both the Preferred Plan and Alternate Scenario.

DATE FILED: March 31, 2026 Page 24 of 112 Area of Change Change/New Element Rationale and Context Demand Response • Growth of BNI Demand Response through Smart Synergy pathway • Maintenance of residential Demand Response pathway (Eco Shift...

AI summary The document discusses changes to the BNI Demand Response program, including growth through the Smart Synergy pathway and maintaining the residential Eco Shift pathway with existing devices. The changes aim to address cost-effectiveness concerns raised by the Energy Board and DSMAG, with no new residential installations planned from 2027–2031.

6 Table 36: 2027–2031 Custom Program Component Custom • financial and/or technical assistance to optimize building performance; and • financial and technical support to assess and implement energy management opportunities, specifically in...

AI summary The 2027–2031 Custom Program Component includes financial and technical assistance for optimizing building performance and energy management opportunities. Enhancements focus on supporting E1's BNI Demand Response program by encouraging customer participation through compatible equipment and events. The program is delivered by E1 staff, contractors, and external resources like engineering firms and efficiency service providers.

7 6.6 DIRECT INSTALLATION PROGRAM

AI summary The Direct Installation Program under Nova Scotia's Demand Side Management (DSM) framework aims to enhance energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions through targeted initiatives. Key stakeholders include NS Power, NSEB, and ERBA, with regulatory considerations involving cost recovery and program effectiveness.

15 Table 44: Demand Response - Overview, Objectives, Opportunity Demand Response • The program provides financial incentives to customers who reduce their load during peak times when there is value to the utility to shift load. Overview •...

AI summary The Demand Response program offers financial incentives to residential and BNI customers who reduce their load during peak times. It aims to diversify program offerings, increase customer awareness, and explore eligibility for interruptible customers in future plans. Barriers include lack of awareness, resources, and inconvenience for participants.

5 Table 46: 2027–2031 BNI Demand Response Program Component BNI Demand Response Annual Plan Investment ($M) Available Demand Response Capacity (MW) Participation (participants) 2027 Total 3.1 17.0 169 2028 Total 3.5 19.1 173 2029 Total 3.8...

AI summary Table 46 outlines the BNI Demand Response Program's investment, capacity, and participation from 2027 to 2031. The program encourages businesses to reduce load during peak events through financial incentives and involves third-party aggregators for implementation. Enhancements include continued support, marketing strategies, and quality assurance measures.

Table 7: Demand Response 2027-2031 Demand Response 2028 3.1 2029 4.1 Residential/Charitable (2,3,4) 2030 4.4 2031 4.2 2027-2031 18.7 2027 0.2 2028 0.2 Small General (10) 2029 0.2 2030 0.2 2031 0.2 2027-2031 1.1 2027 1.4 2028 1.3 General (1...

AI summary The document presents a table outlining projected demand response (DR) participation across various sectors from 2027 to 2031, including residential, small and large general, industrial, municipal, and unmetered categories. It also outlines the structure of an innovation plan under DSM Enabling Strategies, including governance, project classification, and focus areas.

1 Figure 1: Project development workflow 2 DATE FILED: March 31, 2026 Page 4 of 14

AI summary Document chunk from a Nova Scotia regulatory proceeding featuring 'Project development workflow' figure, dated March 31, 2026. Context includes energy sector acronyms and regulatory entities involved in utility planning and oversight.

4 3. 2027–2031 DSM PLAN RBIA RESULTS - 5 The results in this section are for the 2027–2031 DSM Preferred Plan. All impacts are calculated relative - 6 to a scenario where no DSM is conducted in 2027–2031. Results are summarized in Attachme...

AI summary The 2027–2031 DSM Preferred Plan RBIA results compare impacts to a no-DSM scenario, analyzing energy efficiency, demand response, and solar-PV separately and combined. Attachments 1 and 2 detail model outputs, rate impacts, and bill adjustments for each rate class, with selected graphs illustrating key findings.

fter removing double-counting of participants from multiple resources. DATE FILED: March 31, 2026 Page 4 of 8 3 4 7 8 10 11 44 This graph shows bill impacts of all DSM resources combined,as percentage differences relative to the no-DSM sce...

AI summary The document presents graphical analyses of DSM program impacts, including bill and rate differences compared to a no-DSM scenario. It distinguishes between 'Participants' and 'Non-Participants,' highlights double-counting adjustments, and shows annual/active participation rates across resources. Visuals emphasize methodology for calculating customer participation and cost recovery.

Attachment A

AI summary Attachment A lists acronyms related to Nova Scotia's energy regulation, including organizations, programs, and legal frameworks involved in utility proceedings. Key terms cover demand-side management, rate design, and energy efficiency initiatives.

4 DEMAND-SIDE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

AI summary This section outlines Demand-Side Management (DSM) activities in Nova Scotia, referencing regulatory frameworks, utility programs, and energy efficiency initiatives. Key entities include Nova Scotia Power, the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB), and the Public Utilities Act (PUA), with acronyms covering DSM, rate design, and distributed energy resources.

10 billing cycles, so participation reflects the highest monthly participation achieved in 2025. 2 11 Demand Response participation is defined as the number of BNI facilities and Residential households participating in NS Power curtailment...

AI summary The text defines participation in Demand Response programs under BNI and Residential categories, specifying how facilities and households are counted based on their involvement in curtailment events and technology pathways.

Table 1 Update on Implementation of 2022-2023 Evaluation Recommendations Year Evaluation/ Verification Recommendation Text Source Status Comments Expected Period of Completion 2024 Evaluation Gather and analyze the Eco Shift Pilot data aga...

AI summary This table provides an update on the implementation of 2022-2023 evaluation recommendations, specifically focusing on the re-evaluation of the Eco Shift Pilot data in 2025 to improve the accuracy of unitary available DR capacity value and ensure consistency over multiple years. E1 agrees with the recommendation and outlines the methods used in the 2025 evaluation.

Table 13: Evaluated Net Available DR Capacity, 2023-2025 DSM Program Component (MW) Available DR Capacity Available DR Capacity (%) Program 2023 2024 2025 2023 2024 2025 Demand Response Demand Residential Demand Response 0.058 0.057 0.854...

AI summary Table 13 shows the evaluated net available demand response (DR) capacity for 2023-2025, with BNI Demand Response contributing the majority of capacity. In 2025, E1 achieved 129.444 GWh in net electrical energy savings and 23.556 MW in net peak demand savings, but both metrics decreased compared to 2024.

DEFINITIONS Accuracy Reflects the proximity of measurements to the true value. 1.3.1 Participation by Enrollment Pathway 7 2 Residential DR Evaluation Approach 8 3 Residential DR Process Evaluation12 3.1 Existing Research and Documentation...

AI summary The document outlines the evaluation approach and process for the Residential Demand Response (DR) Program, including participant satisfaction surveys, operational reviews, and analysis of non-participant perspectives and barriers to participation.

As presented in [Figure](#page-101-1) 12 below, BNI DR had a total of 143 participants in the 2024/25 DR season, an 88% increase in participation compared to the 76 participants in the 2023/24 season. Each BNI DR participant had at least o...

AI summary The BNI Demand Response (DR) program saw a significant increase in participants and enrolled meters from 2023/24 to 2024/25, but the available DR capacity per participant decreased due to lower engagement. E1 plans to focus on enrolling participants who will consistently engage in the program.

8.3 Program Realization Rate [Table](#page-109-0) 36 below compares the available DR capacity established through this evaluation to the value in the 2025 tracking sheet. The realization rate, representing the ratio of evaluated available...

AI summary The program realization rate for DR capacity is 89%, calculated by comparing evaluated available DR capacity to tracked available DR capacity. Event 8 was excluded due to being a split event with participants called for different times based on platoons.

a DR event, please explain 1.) how the overall system benefits from this arrangement and 2.) how E1 would ensure the customer is not compensated twice for the same demand reduction. Response IR-18: (a) EfficiencyOne's) (E1) position is tha...

AI summary EfficiencyOne (E1) discusses the potential participation of interruptible customers in the Smart Synergy program, acknowledging the need to ensure that incentives are limited to incremental voluntary curtailments beyond existing interruptible tariff obligations. E1 is committed to further discussions with the DSM Advisory Group to assess feasibility and develop a methodology for determining incremental value.

13 Table 4: Residential and BNI Demand Response participation (2024 – 2025) Residential DR BNI DR 2024 353 76 2025 3,676 143 14

AI summary Table 4 presents the participation numbers for Residential and BNI Demand Response programs in 2024 and 2025, showing a significant increase in participation from 2024 to 2025 for both programs.

1 M09096, Document No. 84486, DSMAG Revised Terms of Reference, September 20, 2021, page 7 1 Request IR-16: 2 proceeding."1 3 4 The current version of the DSMAG Terms of Reference was filed with the Nova Scotia 5 Utility and Review Board o...

AI summary The document discusses a request (IR-16) related to the DSMAG Revised Terms of Reference and includes a request (IR-17) regarding affordability in the Application, specifically asking for detailed breakdowns of expenditures, salaries, FTEs, and program support for the 2027-2031 DSM Plan and 2026 DSM Extension.

E1 Responses to Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) Information Requests NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 Request IR-35: 2 3 Evidence – Exhibit E-1, pp.1-71 (pdf pp. 8-78) 4 5 As the system operator, IESO-NS is responsible for ensuring an adequate electrici...

AI summary EfficiencyOne (E1) responded to Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) information requests regarding consultations with the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (NSIESO) on the 2027–2031 DSM Plan. E1 confirmed that while they were a member of the Demand Side Management Advisory Group (DSMAG), no specific MW or MWh reduction targets were provided by the NSIESO for the DSM Plan.

- 2 can allow the customer to participate in BNI Demand Response program while using an - 3 existing activity to provide capacity value to the grid while meeting other operational - 4 requirements. Request IR-09: - Evaluated results for De...

AI summary The document discusses the timing of filing demand response (DR) evaluated performance results, noting that E1 currently files these reports with the NSEB in March of the following year. E1 is agreeable to adjusting the timeline to ensure results are available before the next DR season begins.

decision to engage a third-party consultant could uncover more savings opportunities or direct customers to take alternate approaches, which could also affect project savings and eligible incentives. Request IR-03: Refer to M12780, Exhibit...

AI summary The request (IR-03) asks EfficiencyOne (E1) to provide details on customer satisfaction surveys for small businesses and how they influenced the 2027–2031 DSM Preferred Plan. E1 responds that they conduct ongoing CSAT research with BNI participants, but the answer is incomplete.

7. NEXT STEPS IN THE DSMAG ENGAGEMENT TIMELINE Fourth Quarter of 2025 Round 1 Modelling Assumptions and Results circulated to the DSMAG October 27 Round 1 Modelling Assumptions and Results session with the DSMAG October 30 DSMAG Comments o...

AI summary The document outlines the next steps in the DSMAG engagement timeline, including key dates for modelling assumptions, demand response sessions, and the submission of E1's preferred plan and alternate scenarios to the NSEB.

Attachment 1: DSMAG Round 1 comments [This attachment has been removed.] Attachment 2: Round 2 Modelling Assumptions (Excel file) Attachment 3: Round 2 Measure Level Technical Tables 1EE-Base (excel) Attachment 4: Round 2 Measure Level Tec...

AI summary The document outlines various attachments related to the Demand Side Management Advisory Group (DSMAG) Round 2 modelling assumptions, technical tables, and model outputs. It includes files related to energy efficiency measures, demand response models, and considerations of the standardized filing framework.

Table 6: Scenario 2DR-High – Round 2 Modelling Results Scenario 1DR-High (2027-2031) Investment ($ million) PAC Lifetime Benefits ($ million) Available Capacity1 (MW) Program Administrator Cost (PAC) Residential Demand Response 10.3 7.2 3....

AI summary Table 6 presents the modelling results for Scenario 2DR-High in Round 2, showing investment amounts, program administrator costs, and available capacity for various demand response and efficiency programs, including Residential Demand Response, DLC Smart Thermostats, and BNI Demand Response.

Round 2 Model Input Assumptions and Results Board Directives E1 Update PAC test the Board has directed E1 to apply. • As previously directed, Eastward is to be included as a member of the Demand • Eastward Energy is a member of the DSMAG....

AI summary The document outlines Round 2 Model Input Assumptions and Results, including Board directives related to the PAC test and the inclusion of Eastward Energy in the DSMAG. It also references the 2026 DSM Extension (M12249).

Context for Discussion E1 currently provides regular and ad-hoc reporting (as requested/required by the NSEB) throughout Plan implementation: - Quarterly Reports - Annual Progress Reports - Annual Evaluation Reports Round 2 Model Input Ass...

AI summary E1 proposes a mid-term review process with the DSMAG in Q2 2028 and enhancements to its annual reporting, including more frequent stakeholder engagement and expanded reporting content, to improve transparency and stakeholder input during the Plan implementation period.

Table 1: 2025 and 2026 Event-Ready Devices Year Smart Thermostats Domestic Hot Water Controllers (DHWC) Electric Vehicle (EV) Telematics Batteries 2025 10,200 1,002 191 12 2026 22,244 4,038 453 48 M12780, Exhibit 3, E1 2025 DSM Programs Ev...

AI summary The document presents data on event-ready devices for 2025 and 2026, including smart thermostats, domestic hot water controllers, EV telematics, and batteries. It also discusses EfficiencyOne's (E1) efforts to provide additional advance notice to BNI DR customers to improve participation during events.

DATE FILED: May 28, 2026 E1 (Synapse) IR-50 Page 2 of 2 1 M12249, E1 2026 DSM Extension, April 30, 2025, Appendix A, Attachment 2: Estimation of DSM Low-income and Equity Impacts, section 3.2: DSM Reporting Assumptions: Incidental Impacts,...

AI summary The document outlines a request and response regarding the definition of small businesses and their inclusion in the BNI demand response effort. It clarifies that small businesses are defined based on annual energy consumption and that while they may participate, they are not the primary focus of recruitment during the 2027–2031 DSM Plan period.

remental value to ratepayers and does not compensate the same curtailable load twice. (d) E1 expects to continue discussions with DSM Advisory Group (DSMAG) members during the 2027–2031 Plan period. (e) Depending on the outcome of DSMAG en...

AI summary EfficiencyOne (E1) plans to continue engaging with the DSM Advisory Group (DSMAG) during the 2027–2031 Plan period to assess the potential for interruptible customers to provide incremental curtailable capacity through BNI DR. E1 explains that batteries, EV telematics, and EV charger devices are not included in the proposed 2027–2031 Plan, despite being supported in previous years.

- i) Please refer to part (b) of this IR response. - ii) Please refer to part (b) of this IR response. - (c) No, E1 has not included any new enrollments in the proposed Eco Shift demand response program component during the 2027–2031 DSM P...

AI summary EfficiencyOne (E1) explains that the increase in participation in the BNI Demand Response Program from 2024 to 2025 was due to Smart Synergy recruitment and program maturation. E1 also notes that no new enrollments were added in the proposed Eco Shift demand response program component during the 2027–2031 DSM Plan period.

(g) recommended changes to respond to implementation challenges or opportunities; (h) the potential for additions and/or terminations of programs; and (i) the potential for a plan amendment and the cause(s), including but not limited to: s...

AI summary The response to Request IR-72 outlines E1's proposed mid-term check-in process for the DSM Plan, including stakeholder engagement, updates on demand response coordination with NS Power, and work with the NSIESO on IRPs and avoided costs. A mid-term session with the DSMAG is planned for the first quarter of 2029.

Evaluation Approach Residential DR evaluation combined a non-participant survey, interviews with E1 program staff and service providers/technical partners, a jurisdictional scan of comparable North American programs (with interviews of sel...

AI summary The evaluation approach for residential and BNI demand response programs includes surveys, interviews, jurisdictional scans, tracking-sheet audits, project-level reviews, and metering-data analysis to assess program effectiveness.

2 Q. WHAT IS E1 PROPOSING FOR A MID-TERM CHECK-IN PROCESS? - 3 A. E1 proposes a mid-term Demand Side Management Advisory Group ("DSMAG") - 4 session in the first quarter of 2029, supplemented by annual DSMAG sessions, one-on- - one stakeho...

AI summary E1 proposes a mid-term check-in process involving a Demand Side Management Advisory Group (DSMAG) session in the first quarter of 2029, with annual DSMAG sessions and expanded reporting. The process is informational only and does not require plan amendments or approvals.

14 Request IR-10: 15 16 Reference: E-21, pages 47 and 48, lines 21–22 and 1–7. 17 Q. IN THE DSMAG MEETINGS E1 WAS ASKED TO EXTEND SMART SYNERGY ELIGIBILITY TO LARGE INDUSTRIAL INTERRUPTIBLE ("LII") CUSTOMERS FOR THE INTERRUPTIBLE PORTION O...

AI summary The document discusses a question regarding extending Smart Synergy eligibility to large industrial interruptible customers. E1 has not committed to this proposal but suggests further discussions are needed. The Board is being asked whether it should direct that LII customers not be eligible for Smart Synergy on their interruptible load.

27 Request IR-12: - 29 (a) Please confirm that PJM, ISO-NE, Efficiency Maine, and CAISO operate demand response 30 frameworks in which interruptible or standby capacity commitments and voluntary performance-31 based demand response are tre...

AI summary The text requests confirmation on how demand response frameworks operate in PJM, ISO-NE, Efficiency Maine, and CAISO, focusing on the treatment of interruptible capacity and voluntary demand response. It also inquires whether Smart Synergy and LII programs are complementary or duplicative based on compensation rules and operational overlap.

41 Response IR-12: 43 By way of introduction, it is noted that IR-12 does not refer to the Evidence filed by Mr. Love. 44 Nonetheless, the following response is provided. Date Filed: July 17, 2026 CA (IG) Page 20 of 22 1 (a) GEEG has not c...

AI summary The response to IR-12 discusses issues with overlapping demand response programs, specifically Smart Synergy and the LII interruptible tariff. It highlights the risk of double compensation for the same load reduction and notes that no methodology exists to isolate incremental voluntary curtailment. California's approach is referenced as a possible model.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 (b) This information is not readily available at this time. 2 - 3 (c) Confirmed. OTP's reduction has been achieved across residential and small commercial - 4 customers. OTP has greater than 30 percent residential enroll...

AI summary The document notes that OTP has achieved a reduction in energy use across residential and small commercial customers, with over 30 percent of residential customers enrolled in DR programs. This information was filed on July 17, 2026.

ograms utilities can leverage and deploy that target the biggest contributing factor to system peak demand. As such, summer peaking utilities may rely on directly controlled or passive demand response programs that aim to reduce and/or shi...

AI summary The text discusses how summer and winter peaking utilities can use demand response programs to manage peak demand. Summer peaking utilities focus on reducing cooling demand during peak periods, while winter peaking utilities target heating demand. Design features from summer DR programs, such as incentives and automated participation, are also applicable to winter DR programs.

r, this argument is buttressed by the IESO- NS 2026 ELCC study, which shows that at lower levels of residential DR penetration, the estimated ELCC is greater than 90 percent. Please refer to IG IR-12. Request IR-8: Reference: E-22, page 16...

AI summary The argument is supported by the IESO-NS 2026 ELCC study, which highlights the effectiveness of residential demand response at lower penetration levels. The response to IR-8 outlines Brattle Group's recommendations for performance, accreditation, and cost-effectiveness metrics for demand response, based on experience and professional judgment, and suggests including metrics from other jurisdictions.

E1 Rebuttal Evidence - E1 agrees with Ms. Napoleon's recommendation and plans to implement changes in the upcoming 2027 - DR season (pending NSEB approval) as part of improving program performance to achieve higher benefits. - E1 intends t...

AI summary E1 agrees with Ms. Napoleon's recommendation and plans to implement changes in the upcoming 2027 DR season, pending NSEB approval. E1 will assess program delivery costs and participant performance, and is seeking feeder data from NS Power to evaluate locational demand response opportunities.

Synapse Exhibit 1, 2027–2031 DSM Plan Application, Appendix A, page 103, lines 17-20. - Fourth, with respect to DR, Ms. Napoleon addresses BNI program offerings. At page 6, lines 21 23, Ms. - Napoleon recommends: E1 should develop differen...

AI summary Ms. Napoleon recommends differentiated incentives for BNI demand response program, with higher incentives for battery-based standby resources than for fossil-fueled generators.

3. Demand Response - (a) For clarity, with respect to the design of the Residential Demand Response (EcoShift) program, enrolment in the EcoShift program will continue during the plan period, alongside E1's continued efforts to improve the...

AI summary The document discusses the continuation of the Residential Demand Response (EcoShift) program during the plan period and the ongoing consideration of hybrid heating systems through various processes including DSMAG, the Annual Adjustment Process, and the Mid-Term Check-In.

e that Nova Scotia's DSM portfolio remains aligned with emerging system needs, customer priorities and affordability concerns, and planning realities that Nova Scotia is expected to face through 2031. NS Power respectfully submits that the...

AI summary NS Power submits that the Board should consider Brattle's recommendations and other evidence to modify the Preferred Plan, ensuring alignment with affordability, winter peak demand, system flexibility, and long-term policy goals. It suggests developing demand response as a verifiable capacity resource and addressing funding issues for standalone solar PV.

Document: 329676 Date Filed: May 7, 2026 Page 16 of 37 1 a. Pdf pg. 43 states: "In addition to reducing total investment through prioritization, E1 2 has responded to DSMAG member comments regarding Enabling Strategies." 3 i. Please provid...

AI summary The document outlines requests for detailed information regarding the feedback received from the DSM Advisory Group (DSMAG) on enabling strategies, as well as requests for data on expenditures, FTEs, and staff training related to the Preferred 2027-2031 DSM Plan and the 2026 DSM Extension.

on page 80 of Appendix A – Preferred Plan which states, "Overview: Provides incentives to 1 customers to shift or curtail loads during peak events when there is value to the utility (Eco Shift 2 pathway)." 3 a. Please provide the Eco Shift...

AI summary The text discusses questions related to the Eco Shift and BNI Demand Response Program, including incentives for residential and BNI customers, participation growth, and considerations for expanding the programs. It also references Table 46 and the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).