Topic:"Demand Side Management" in M03632

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Synapse Energy Economics, Inc. , Cambridge, MA. President, 1996 to present. Consulting on issues of energy economics, environmental impacts, and utility regulatory policy, including electric power system planning, a...

AI summary The text outlines professional experience in energy economics and utility regulatory policy, including consulting on electric power system planning, environmental impacts, climate change policy, demand-side management, and renewable resources. The individual held leadership roles at Synapse Energy Economics, Inc. and Tellus Institute, focusing on research and consulting related to electric system planning and regulation.

24 Q: Have you previously testified before this Board? 25 A: Yes. I testified in the Board's review of the following cases: - 1 Nova Scotia Power's Demand Side Management Plan for 2010 and 2 Demand Side Management Cost Recovery Rider in Ma...

AI summary The witness has previously testified before the Board in several cases, including Nova Scotia Power's Demand Side Management Plan and proposals related to biomass projects and depreciation rates.

SUMMARY OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 1986– Present President, Resource Insight, Inc. Consults and testifies in utility and insurance economics. Reviews utility supply-planning processes and outcomes: assesses prudence of prior power planning...

AI summary The document summarizes the professional experience of an individual with extensive expertise in utility and insurance economics, including consulting, testifying, and advising on utility regulation, rate design, conservation programs, and power planning. The individual has worked with regulatory commissions and consulted on various aspects of energy and insurance policy.

Transfer Loss is All Transfer, No Loss" (with Jonathan Wallach), The Electricity Journal 6:6 (July 1993). "Benefit-Cost Ratios Ignore Interclass Equity" (with others), DSM Quarterly , Spring 1992.

AI summary The text includes two academic publications: one discussing transfer loss in the electricity sector and another examining how benefit-cost ratios may overlook equity considerations across different classes.

"Evaluation and Cost Effectiveness" (principal author), Ch. 14 of "California Evaluation Framework" Prepared for California utilities as required by the California Public Utilities Commission. 2004. "Energy Plan for the City of New York" (...

AI summary The text lists various publications and reports authored or co-authored by individuals and organizations, focusing on energy efficiency, demand-side management, and utility regulation. These works were prepared for different jurisdictions, including California, New York, Massachusetts, and Vermont, and address topics such as avoided energy costs, performance-based regulation, and integrated resource planning.

tiveness Analysis." Presentation as part of "Effective DSM Collaborative Processes," a week-long training session for Ohio DSM advocates sponsored by the Ohio Office of Energy Efficiency, August 1993.

AI summary A presentation titled 'Effectiveness Analysis' was delivered as part of a week-long training session for Ohio DSM advocates, sponsored by the Ohio Office of Energy Efficiency in August 1993.

EXPERT TESTIMONY 1. MEFSC 78-12/MDPU 19494, Phase I; Boston Edison 1978 forecast; Massachusetts Attorney General; June 12 1978. Appliance penetration projections, price elasticity, econometric commercial forecast, peak demand forecast. Joi...

AI summary The document includes expert testimony from various regulatory proceedings in Massachusetts, focusing on demand forecasting, appliance efficiency, price elasticity, and energy modeling. These testimonies were provided by experts like Susan C. Geller and S.C. Geller in collaboration with the Massachusetts Attorney General.

Q. Describe ESI, Inc. of Tennessee. - A. ESI Inc. of Tennessee is a design engineering and construction firm that specializes in the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of steam and power facilities. ESI brings innovative, cos...

AI summary ESI, Inc. of Tennessee is a design engineering and construction firm specializing in EPC of steam and power facilities. It provides innovative and environmentally friendly solutions and has worked with Fortune 500 clients. The testimony is provided on behalf of the Alliance of Nova Scotia Sawmillers to address Synapse Energy Economics' recommendations for the COMFIT program, focusing on biomass CHP projects.

Issues Raised by Synapse Energy Economics Panel

AI summary The document outlines the issues raised by the Synapse Energy Economics Panel in a regulatory proceeding. It highlights concerns related to energy efficiency, demand-side management, and the overall regulatory framework governing energy programs and customer services in Nova Scotia.

Transforming our current electricity mix to one that is more local and green is important to our future energy security. The Government of Nova Scotia has set ambitious targets for generating more electricity from renewable sources, as wel...

AI summary Nova Scotia aims to increase renewable electricity generation to 25% by 2015 and 40% by 2020, supported by the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act. Conservation and efficiency are emphasized as critical to achieving these targets, alongside expanding renewable energy sources like wind, tidal, and biomass.

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AI summary Nova Scotia's electricity rates are vulnerable to market volatility and future carbon regulation due to high coal content. The government estimates that measures in the plan will increase electricity bills by 1-2% annually. NSPI's 2009 Integrated Resource Plan confirmed that energy efficiency and renewable energy are the least-cost options for meeting energy demand and environmental goals. Cost increases may be offset by reduced consumption through DSM programs and Efficiency Nova Scotia.

Provide the work papers used to analyze Mr. Chernick's submission The attached tables show Synapse's analysis of total COMFIT program costs under several different scenarios. This analysis was performed after Synapse filed its direct evide...

AI summary Synapse analyzed COMFIT program costs under various scenarios, including different resource mixes and avoided cost assumptions. The analysis assumed a fully subscribed COMFIT program and used a 2018 baseline with a 2.5% annual escalation rate for biomass CHP. Avoided costs were based on fuel costs, generic replacement energy, and the NSPI 2011 DSM plan.

File No: BRD-E-R-10 - Matter No. M03632 EXHIBIT LIST April 4, 2011 U-6 To provide copies of the spreadsheet calculations for each of the sensitivities using the ANSS cost inputs, plus the calculations using all of those inputs combined. Sy...

AI summary The document outlines various requests and actions related to Synapse models and calculations for a regulatory proceeding. These include providing spreadsheet calculations, producing models based on specific assumptions, and including parasitic power in calculations.

ICK: Are you prepared to accept the proposition that apart from risk assessment many investors may be prepared to invest at a low rate of return simply because it's a community project? MR. COUTURE: There's been a tradition of socially res...

AI summary The discussion centers on the feasibility of investing in community-based renewable energy projects at lower rates of return, with concerns raised about relying on goodwill for funding. The Consumer Advocate criticizes Synapse for not adequately addressing the needs of community organizations in the COMFIT initiative and for approaching the task as if it were for commercial FITs.

BETTER TO BE LOW THAN HIGH Setting a tariff that is higher than required locks in the overpayment for the 20 year duration of the tariff. There is no practical ability to adjust. Ratepayers are committed to pay an excessive tariff because...

AI summary The text discusses the risks of setting tariffs too high, locking in overpayment for 20 years, versus underestimating needs, which allows for upward adjustments. It also highlights concerns about the COMFIT program, emphasizing that it should serve communities rather than benefit commercial investors.

Black River Wind that we didn't look into how different shareholders in different compositions of community groups might benefit or not benefit. Mr.Christmas and Mr.Rickerson, p.311, April 5, 2011 Mr. Christmas: Given your review of that e...

AI summary The discussion highlights challenges faced by First Nations and municipalities in raising capital for renewable energy projects, such as COMFIT. Concerns are raised about limited equity and debt availability, as well as lack of municipal support for such initiatives.

y support eligible stakeholders in cost-effectively 20 developing COMFIT projects in Nova Scotia, as was intended to 21 be the case through the COMFIT policy and amendments to the Electricity Act.1 22 24 EAC's reference to the distribution...

AI summary The text discusses the rationale behind the 20 MW capacity limit proposed for the enhanced net metering program by Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI), emphasizing that the limit was not due to capacity constraints but to trigger a review of cost implications. The Ecology Action Centre (EAC) and others suggested the limit was due to capacity issues, but the Board disagreed.

- Keith that his mic's not on. - MR. MERRICK : Coming back to the - community element of this feed-in tariff procedure; do you - believe that municipalities, Band Councils, cooperatives, - universities can bring advantages to an energy pro...

AI summary The discussion focuses on the potential advantages that local entities such as municipalities, Band Councils, cooperatives, and universities may bring to energy projects, particularly in terms of siting and public acceptance. The speaker suggests that local involvement may lead to better community reactions compared to out-of-town or for-profit companies.

- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS MR. VOGEL : I'll try and be brief. 1 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 285 THE CHAIR: No, I didn't mean to hurry 10 MR. RICKERSON: And could you rephrase 11 the question one more time? 12 MR. VOGEL: Sur...

AI summary The discussion focuses on the importance of supporting mechanisms for small-scale community participation in feed-in tariff programs, referencing examples from Denmark, Germany, and Massachusetts. The speaker highlights varying approaches by governments in engaging stakeholders and facilitating feasibility studies.

- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS individual shareholder is there some projection of how 1 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 353 much that might result in for that individual? 9 If it's, you know, some kind of bonus 10 incentive sort of...

AI summary The discussion revolves around the scope of potential incentives for individual shareholders, with a participant expressing concerns about the legality of certain suggestions made during previous hearings. The participant references past hearings led by Dr. Weir at Dalhousie.

- was the 1.5 percent as well? Page 388 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 1 MR. ROSCOE: Okay. And that I 2 understand based on the information that they had and I'm 3 not I won't challenge whether or not it's 4 representative of the range. I'll assume tha...

AI summary The discussion focuses on concerns about the feasibility of project financing under a program, with specific attention to the assumptions made regarding return on equity, debt, debt/equity ratio, and term. There is a concern that variables not discussed with financial institutions may lead to hurdles in financing.

- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS version of this exhibit, as an undertaking, we'd like to Page 406 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 1 instead of holding up the whole group. 2 Okay. MR. KEITH: 3 MR. DOEHLER: So if I understand, the 4 number...

AI summary The discussion revolves around the capacity factor (COMFIT) and the ability of different community groups, including municipalities and First Nations, to participate in the program. The witness explains that a representative midpoint was used to model participation, rather than considering each group's individual constraints. The conversation also includes an introduction from a representative of a wind energy company involved in projects in Nova Scotia.

soften, there we did see some community groups have 1 Page 424 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 development, again, so that's a very broad definition. 2 THE CHAIR: You're going to have a 3 chance to make your submissions, but is there any 4 question? 5 M...

AI summary The text includes a dialogue between Mr. Coady and the Chair during a proceeding, where Mr. Coady mentions agreement with the Sawmillers on several areas and outlines topics for questioning, including capacity factor, annual minimum efficiency, construction financing, and federal tax rates.

as well? MR. KEITH : Yeah, I can speak to Vermont and Ontario. And there is in the a requirement for biomass in Vermont. Page 504 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS MR. DEVEAU : Tariff requirement or a regulati...

AI summary The discussion touches on efficiency standards in Vermont and biomass requirements in Ontario, particularly regarding combined heat and power (CHP) projects and feed-in tariffs. The participants clarify that in Ontario, there is no requirement for biomass to be part of a CHP project to qualify for the feed-in tariff.

- bit of a variability there. - And like Mitch said, the rate that - we're proposing here is based on 60 percent, which is - pretty well max when you include you consider the fact - that we've got to take the kilns out of the kiln, unload...

AI summary The speaker discusses the proposed COMFIT rate based on 60% utilization, acknowledging that going below this level could have negative financial impacts. They argue that the rate should be set for normal operations rather than worst-case scenarios, ensuring it is fair for ratepayers.

- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS know, you'd be maybe looking at four of six of us that 1 would be capable of at that rate that would be it 9 asking for a cap on the net metering capacity into the 10 distribution grid of 20...

AI summary The discussion revolves around concerns about the perceived risk of COMFIT projects to financial institutions, particularly due to the lack of accountability for time requirements in the Nova Scotia Power queue. The speaker is seeking clarification on whether a cap on net metering capacity would influence these risks.

- total gigawatt hour sales? - MR. CHERNICK: Well, I did the - calculations of what would happen at various megawatt - penetrations for various technologies at Synapse proposed - rates and at my proposed rates. Obviously it's less than - w...

AI summary The discussion focuses on the potential employment benefits of the Community Feed-in Tariff program in rural Nova Scotia, with Mr. Chernick noting that some installation and maintenance work may be done locally, while other tasks may require specialized personnel.

April 7, 2011 U-14 To provide the success rate of the RFP Projects (NSPI); also to indicate which Mr. Chernick understands failed and to identify which projects were completed by NSPI 975 8 MR. MORIN: Okay. My understanding is 9 at the com...

AI summary The discussion revolves around the success rate of RFP Projects by NSPI and the online application process for COMFIT. Mr. Morin mentions the government's plan for an online application process, while Mr. Chernick expresses uncertainty about the handling of applications and mentions familiarity with COMFIT requirements.

- they would probably have shown up in some way. - MR. TOWSE : So your suggestion that - the COMFIT rate be reduced because municipal governments - have access to low rates of debt suggests and is not - supported by the evidence that no mu...

AI summary The discussion centers on the COMFIT program and whether municipal governments are interested in it, with Mr. Towse suggesting that the absence of municipal interest is not supported by evidence, and Mr. Chernick arguing that municipal governments may become interested once the opportunity is presented to them.

if that incentive a strong incentive as you've called 1 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 967 it financing mechanism is having a hard time raising 2 the 75 million that we will need for the COMFIT program, 3 that co-ops and not-for-profits might have...

AI summary The discussion revolves around the COMFIT program and its financing challenges, particularly the difficulty in raising 75 million dollars. The purpose of COMFIT is to provide assurance to community groups that there is a market for power, and it is suggested that financing could be largely debt-based rather than relying on equity from a single sector.

- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS Now, I stand to be corrected on that, 1 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 1109 but the tariff design did not assume the full capture of 21 incentives are offered for that. 22 The structures get quite co...

AI summary The discussion focuses on incentive structures for biomass electricity generation in various U.S. states, including Washington, California, Indiana, and Florida, and mentions cost-based rate mandates in Vermont and Maine. The conversation touches on the complexity of these structures and their implementation.

April 7, 2011 U-14 To provide the success rate of the RFP Projects (NSPI); also to indicate which Mr. Chernick understands failed and to identify which projects were completed by NSPI 975 U-15 To confirm from data on Capacity Factor from N...

AI summary The document contains a transcript of a regulatory proceeding in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on April 7, 2011, with references to RFP projects, capacity factors, and a Spanish biomass fuel price adjustment clause. It includes discussions about project success rates and a brief exchange between the chair and Mr. Christmas.