Topic:"Demand Side Management" in M13053

Q2 2026 Demand Side Management Report 2026 Quarter Two Activity for the period April 1 to June 30, 2026 Efficiency Nova Scotia is a franchise awarded by the Province of Nova Scotia to EfficiencyOne, an independent not-for-profit corporatio...

AI summary This document is the Q2 2026 Demand Side Management Report filed by Efficiency Nova Scotia, a franchise awarded to EfficiencyOne. It covers activities from April 1 to June 30, 2026, and outlines efforts to reduce energy consumption and improve energy efficiency in Nova Scotia.

1. SUMMARY - The Q2 2026 report summarizes EfficiencyOne's (E1) Demand Side Management (DSM) results - and activities as administrator and operator of the Efficiency Nova Scotia (ENS) franchise for the - period of April 1 to June 30, 2026....

AI summary The Q2 2026 report summarizes EfficiencyOne's (E1) Demand Side Management (DSM) results and activities as administrator of the Efficiency Nova Scotia (ENS) franchise. E1's 2023-2025 DSM Plan was approved by the NSUARB, and its 2026 DSM Extension Application was approved by the NSEB. The 2023-2026 Plan as Approved includes $236.8 million in investment and four performance targets.

2.1 Forecast for 2023-2026 DSM Plan Period - E1's four-year Plan forecast includes E1's actual savings results and expenditures from 2023, 4 - 2024, and 2025, and the current 2026 year-end forecast, which is described in further detail in...

AI summary E1's 2023-2026 DSM Plan forecast includes actual savings and expenditures from 2023 to 2025, along with a 2026 forecast. E1 expects to spend slightly less than the approved investment level while aiming to achieve a compliance threshold of 90% or higher for its performance targets.

Table 1: 2023-2026 DSM Plan Period Forecast 2023-2026 D SM Plan Per iod Forecast Er nergy Saving: (GWh) S De mand Savinį (MW) gs Ava ilable Capad (MW) iity Affordable Affordable and Mi'l avings appli Single-fami Multi-famil kmaw Home ncy P...

AI summary Table 1 presents the 2023-2026 DSM Plan Period Forecast, showing energy savings, demand savings, available capacity, and expenditures. It compares approved forecasts with actual results, highlighting variances across years. The data is derived from the 2023-2025 DSM Resource Plan Compliance filing and the 2026 DSM Extension Application, referenced in M10473.

2.2 2026 Year-end Forecast E1 updated its year-end forecast in July 2026. When compared to the 2026 mid-course adjustment, the latest year-end forecast projects lower overall energy savings and demand savings, and higher available capacity...

AI summary E1 updated its 2026 year-end forecast in July 2026, projecting lower overall energy and demand savings but higher available capacity and energy savings for specific programs, with a reduced investment compared to the mid-course adjustment.

Table 2: 2026 Plan as Approved, 2026 Mid-course Adjustment, Year-end Forecast, and Q2 Results p , Programs subtotal 116.0 1,321.8 18.9 50.2 - 109.6 1,546.2 21.6 49.5 - 103.8 1,436.6 17.9 46.3 18.5 48.8 581.8 3.5 8.8 9.6 21.0 - - - - - Enab...

AI summary The document presents a table summarizing the 2026 Plan as approved, mid-course adjustment, year-end forecast, and Q2 results for energy efficiency and demand response programs. It includes data on program subtotals, enabling strategies, education, development and research, and various demand response initiatives.

Program status compares the 2026 year-end forecast to the 2026 mid-course adjustment. Green denotes an anticipated variance of less than 10% below, yellow denotes an anticipated variance of 10% to 25% below, and red denotes an anticipated...

AI summary The text discusses program status, comparing 2026 forecasts and mid-course adjustments, with color codes indicating variances from targets. It mentions the end of the New Home Construction program component in 2023 and references E1's 2023-2025 DSM Plan. It also notes participation by low-income customers and demand response results for a specific period.

3. QUARTERLY HIGHLIGHTS - This section provides results on program participation, unit cost data, and DSM expenditures for - the Q2 period. 2026 rate class allocations and Q2 rate class results by program are provided in - [Attachment 1.](...

AI summary This section provides results on program participation, unit cost data, and DSM expenditures for the Q2 period, including 2026 rate class allocations and Q2 rate class results by program, as detailed in Attachment 1.

1 Table 3: Participation Rates Participation 2026 Plan as Approved Q2 2026 Results YTD 2026 Results YTD Results as % of 2026 Plan as Approved Participation Unit Efficient Product Rebates 33,682 3,971 13,026 39% Units rebated Instant Saving...

AI summary Table 3 outlines participation rates for various energy efficiency programs under the 2026 DSM Extension Plan, showing progress against approved targets. Most programs have achieved between 36% and 119% of their participation goals, with notable exceptions like Residential Behaviour, which has 0% participation. The data includes units rebated, homes, and participants across residential, business, and institutional sectors.

Table 4: Unit Cost First-Year Unit Cost 2026 Plan as Approved ($/kWh) 2026 Mid-Course Adjustment ($/kWh) 2026 Year-end Forecast ($/kWh) 2026 Actual YTD ($/kWh) al Efficient Product Rebates 0.52 0.34 0.41 0.45 enti Existing Residential 0.65...

AI summary Table 4 presents unit costs for various energy efficiency programs under the 2026 DSM Extension Plan, including approved, adjusted, forecasted, and actual year-to-date costs. The data covers residential, low-income, and business programs, with a subtotal for Enabling Strategies.

Figure 1: 2026 Year-to-Date DSM Expenditures \ Expenditure amounts are unaudited and rounded to the nearest hundred thousand.

AI summary This figure presents year-to-date 2026 demand-side management (DSM) expenditures, with amounts noted as unaudited and rounded to the nearest hundred thousand.

Program Components • Instant Savings offers point-of-sale rebates to retail customers who purchase eligible energy efficient products.

AI summary The Program Components section outlines the Instant Savings program, which provides point-of-sale rebates to retail customers purchasing eligible energy-efficient products.

Instant Savings Highlights - Energy savings results for Instant Savings in Q2 were consistent with Q1, as smart thermostats continued to be the most popular category. - After introducing a mid-stream rebate on heat pump water heaters in Q1...

AI summary Instant Savings program reported consistent energy savings in Q2, with smart thermostats remaining the most popular category. A mid-stream rebate for heat pump water heaters was introduced in Q1 and first issued in Q2, allowing contractors to provide rebates directly to customers. The program is recruiting new distributors to expand the rebate option.

2 4.2 Existing Residential - 3 The Existing Residential program consists of the following program components: - 4 Affordable Multifamily Housing and Non-Profit Organizations; - 5 Affordable Single-family Homes; - 6 Efficient Product Instal...

AI summary The Existing Residential program includes components such as Affordable Multifamily Housing, Efficient Product Installation, and Home Energy Assessment, among others, aimed at promoting energy efficiency in residential settings.

Efficient Product Installation Highlights - Efficient Product Installation's Q2 results were consistent with Q1, and the program component is on track to achieve its mid-course adjusted targets. Smart thermostats were the primary driver fo...

AI summary Efficient Product Installation's Q2 results remained consistent with Q1, and the program is on track to meet its adjusted targets. The Residential Demand Response program, Eco Shift, was paused for new enrollments in April 2026, leading to the removal of domestic hot water direct load controllers from the Efficient Product Installation program.

Residential Behaviour Highlights • The Residential Behaviour program component remained paused throughout Q2, as NS Power customer data continued to be unavailable to generate customer insights and reports. Customer data has been unavailab...

AI summary The Residential Behaviour program was paused in Q2 due to the unavailability of NS Power customer data since a cybersecurity incident in spring 2025. NS Power's Monthly Update Report #11, filed under Matter M12273, provided an update on the situation and a forecast for the restoration of normal activities.

EXISTING RESIDENTIAL (2026) "The Residential Behaviour program will require a minimum of 1 bill cycle following the reintroduction of data into [My Energy Insights] MEI before it can produce results. Forecast restoration is by end of Q3 20...

AI summary The Residential Behaviour program will not resume in 2026 due to a required data restoration timeline, aligning with E1's 2027-2031 DSM Plan. Expenditures are expected to be $0.2 million at year-end as the program is being wound down.

2 5. BUSINESS, NON-PROFIT AND INSTITUTIONAL (BNI) SECTOR - 3 The BNI sector consists of the following three programs: - 4 Efficient Product Rebates; - 5 Custom Incentives; and - 6 Direct Installation. 7 - 8 Energy Manager Placements - 9 Un...

AI summary The BNI sector includes three programs: Efficient Product Rebates, Custom Incentives, and Direct Installation. Energy Manager Placements are also part of the BNI sector, where energy managers identify DSM opportunities. As of Q2 2026, five Energy Manager positions were partially funded by DSM.

3 5.2 Custom Incentives - 4 The Custom Incentives program consists of the following two program components: - 5 Custom; and 2 Date Filed: August 25, 2026 Page 15 of 28 1 • Strategic Energy Management. 2

AI summary The Custom Incentives program includes two components: Custom and Strategic Energy Management. This section outlines the structure of the program as part of the regulatory proceeding.

3 Table 8: Custom Incentives CUSTOM INCENTIVES (2026) Custom Incentives Energy Savings (GWh) Demand Savings (MW) Expenditure ($ million) Unit Cost ($/kWh) 2026 Plan as Approved 38.0 7.4 10.8 0.28 2026 MCA target 41.2 7.4 11.5 0.28 2026 Yea...

AI summary The year-end forecast for Custom Incentives in 2026 is closely aligned with the mid-course adjusted and 2026 Plan as Approved targets for energy savings, demand savings, expenditures, and unit cost, indicating consistency in performance and planning.

Custom Highlights - Custom continued to deliver steady results in Q2, with the Retrofit service accounting for most completed projects – primarily compressed air, refrigeration, and building envelope measures. Year-to-date performance is a...

AI summary Custom continued to deliver steady results in Q2, with Retrofit services driving most completed projects. However, Pay-for-performance projects are facing delays due to the unavailability of AMI data from NS Power following a 2025 cybersecurity incident.

5 Table 9: Direct Installation DIRECT INSTALLATION (2026) Direct Installation Energy Savings (GWh) Demand Savings (MW) Expenditure ($ million) Unit Cost ($/kWh) 2026 Plan as Approved 6.1 1.5 5.8 0.95 2026 MCA 6.9 1.1 6.3 0.91 2026 Year-end...

AI summary Table 9 compares energy and demand savings, as well as expenditures, for the Direct Installation program in 2026 under different scenarios. The Q2 2026 forecast shows higher savings and expenditures than the mid-course adjustment due to more approved projects and specific project data. Expenditures have risen proportionally with energy savings forecasts.

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 component, which provides incentives and resources for small businesses to implement energy-efficient upgrades. Participants can choose between an audit path with a no-charge energy audit or a do-it-yourself path, and are directed to contractors through the Efficiency Preferred Partner Network or their own choice.

2 6. DEMAND RESPONSE - 3 The Demand Response program consists of two program components: - 4 Residential Demand Response; and - 5 BNI Demand Response. 6 - 7 In the 2026 season (December 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026), the BNI Demand Respons...

AI summary The Demand Response program includes two components: Residential Demand Response (marketed as Eco Shift) and BNI Demand Response (marketed as Smart Synergy). The latter includes commercial and industrial curtailment, while the former includes eligible devices such as smart thermostats and EV chargers. Table 10 outlines the 2026 Plan as Approved, mid-course adjustment, and results for the program.

16 Table 10: Demand Response DEMAND RESPONSE (2026) Demand Response New Available Capacity (MW) Available Capacity (MW) Expenditure ($ million) 2026 Plan as Approved 9.5 16.3 6.5 2026 MCA 8.9 15.7 6.2 2026 Year-end Forecast 9.4 16.2 7.7 Q2...

AI summary The 2025/2026 demand response season achieved 16.2 MW of available capacity, meeting 99.6% of the 2026 Plan as Approved target and the 2023-2026 performance target of 16.3 MW. This represents a significant increase from 2025 results, with 9.4 MW of new available capacity added.

DEMAND RESPONSE (2026) - The Residential Demand Response program component underachieved while the BNI Demand program component overachieved, when compared to the 2026 Plan as Approved. - Year-end forecast expenditures are higher than set...

AI summary The Residential Demand Response program underachieved, while the BNI Demand program overachieved compared to the 2026 Plan. Year-end expenditures exceeded mid-course adjustment forecasts due to higher participation in smart thermostats and domestic hot water controllers, leading to increased costs for incentives and installations.

2026/2027 season preparations • Given current performance trends, and in alignment with E1's 2027-2031 DSM Plan application currently being considered by the Nova Scotia Energy Board, the Residential Demand Response team has begun to shift...

AI summary In preparation for the 2026/2027 season, the Residential Demand Response team is shifting its focus from growth to optimization, aligning with E1's 2027-2031 DSM Plan application under review by the Nova Scotia Energy Board. The focus is on maintaining the current portfolio size while increasing participation rates and improving sustained performance during events.

2025/2026 season results - Results show the BNI Demand Response program component achieved 12.7 MW of available capacity from 98 participating facilities. Although the number of participants decreased by 31% from 143 participants in the 20...

AI summary The BNI Demand Response program achieved 12.7 MW of available capacity from 98 participants in the 2025/2026 season, despite a 31% decrease in participants compared to the previous season. The average capacity per participant increased significantly, and NS Power called six demand response events during the season.

2 7. INCENTIVE REPORTING - 3 In the NSUARB's Decision on the 2023-2025 DSM Plan, E1 was directed to "identify any instances - 4 where E1 has adjusted the per unit incentive amount for a measure by more than 10% from the - 5 amount included...

AI summary The NSUARB directed E1 to explain any adjustments to per unit incentive amounts exceeding 10% from the 2023-2025 DSM Plan. In Q2, E1 adjusted incentives for the Home Energy Assessment program and changed how incentives were calculated for Demand Response programs, providing explanations in its reports.

18 Residential Demand Response - 19 In Residential Demand Response, E1 issued participation incentives to those who participated in - 20 50% or more of all demand response events in the 2026 season, a change from previous seasons - 21 when...

AI summary The Residential Demand Response program by E1 changed its participation incentives in 2026, offering them only to those who participated in 50% or more of demand response events, aiming to increase engagement and align incentives with higher participation levels.

BNI Demand Response In BNI Demand Response, E1 implemented a change to the method used to calculate participant incentives to make it easier for participants to understand the approach. The DR incentive is calculated based on the differenc...

AI summary In BNI Demand Response, E1 updated the method for calculating participant incentives to improve transparency. The new ten-of-ten methodology calculates the baseline by averaging the last ten eligible days, excluding weekends, holidays, and self-reported exclusions. Participants receive $100 per reduced kW during events, with E1's service provider responsible for payouts.

8. LOW-INCOME, DIVERSE, AND UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES For the 2023-2026 Plan as Approved, the NSEB established a Performance Target of 19.8 GWh for cumulative annual energy savings applicable to Affordable Single-family Homes, Affordable Mul...

AI summary The NSEB set energy savings targets for low-income, diverse, and underserved communities under the 2023-2026 Plan. E1's forecast indicates these targets will be met, with actual savings exceeding the performance indicators. Results from 2023 to 2025, along with 2026 data, are reported and referenced in tables.

1 9. ENABLING STRATEGIES - 2 The Enabling Strategies component in the 2023-2026 DSM Plan focuses on the following three - 3 categories: - 4 Education and Outreach; - 5 Development and Research; and - 6 Other Enabling Strategies. 7 - 8 [Tab...

AI summary The Enabling Strategies component of the 2023-2026 DSM Plan includes education and outreach, development and research, and other enabling strategies. Table 13 provides details on the 2026 Plan as approved, mid-course adjustments, forecasts, and Q2 activities.

Area of focus: Partnership Development - E1's strategic partnerships continued with a range of organizations in Q2. Activities with partners included: - o Planning for a series of summer camps (related to energy efficiency, green careers,...

AI summary E1 continued expanding strategic partnerships in Q2, including planning summer camps with various organizations, hosting training sessions for small businesses, and collaborating with CORAH to support 55+ clients. The Efficiency Preferred Partner network maintained 436 members and engaged in activities such as webinars, training, and focus groups.

Area of focus: Other Regulatory Initiatives - Development of the 2026 DSM Annual evaluation continued with E1's independent evaluation consultant. - E1 continued work on the implementation of evaluation and verification recommendations. Fo...

AI summary The 2026 DSM Annual evaluation is being developed by E1 with an independent evaluation consultant. E1 is also working on implementing evaluation and verification recommendations. The 2025 Savings Verification Review is currently part of the E1's 2027-2031 DSM Plan Application, with responses to be filed after a decision in matter M12780.

10. CONCLUSION - At the end of Q2 2026, E1's year-to-date results were 48.8 GWh of net incremental energy - savings, 8.8 MW of net peak demand savings, 3.0 GWh of net energy savings applicable to - Affordable Multi-family Housing, Affordab...

AI summary E1's Q2 2026 results show 48.8 GWh of net incremental energy savings and 8.8 MW of peak demand savings. The report also highlights energy savings in affordable housing and the Mi'kmaw Home Energy Efficiency Project, with a $30.3 million investment. The Q3 DSM Report is scheduled for submission to the Nova Scotia Energy Board on November 25, 2026.

Attachment 1: 2026 Rate Class Results (Year-to-Date) E1 reports on planned and actual DSM expenditures by rate class to aid in cost recovery allocations.[9](#page-32-0) The following sections provide information on E1's rate class allocati...

AI summary Attachment 1 discusses E1's 2026 rate class results, including planned and actual DSM expenditures, a comparison of 2026 Plan expenditures to year-end forecasts, and an updated outlook for the 2023-2026 DSM Plan period by rate class.

1. RATE CLASS METHODOLOGY As part of efforts to enhance rate class spending reporting, E1 introduced a new rate class allocation methodology in 2025, which was used to calculate the rate class allocations for the 2026 DSM Plan, the 2026 mi...

AI summary E1 introduced a new rate class allocation methodology in 2025, used in the 2026 DSM Plan and mid-course adjustment. Allocations are based on spending percentages from previous years, with industrial classes excluded from certain Enabling Strategies costs. The methodology is referenced in a 2015 NSUARB Order related to DSM programs and cost recovery.

2.1.1 Large general - 2026 year-end forecast expenditures for the large general rate class are higher than the 2026 - Plan as Approved as results from large general participantsin the BNI Demand Response program - component spiked in 2026,...

AI summary The 2026 year-end forecast expenditures for the large general rate class are higher than in 2026 Plan as Approved, with a significant increase in available capacity from 0.6 MW in 2025 to 2.8 MW in 2026. This increase in available capacity leads to higher customer incentives paid out under the BNI Demand Response program.

2.1.2 Medium industrial 2026 Plan as Approved as medium industrial participation in the BNI Demand Response program component continues to increase year-over-year. In 2025, 32 medium industrial participants 2026 year-end forecast expenditu...

AI summary The 2026 Plan shows increasing participation from medium industrial users in the BNI Demand Response program, with available capacity rising from 3.3 MW in 2025 to 6.7 MW in 2026. As capacity increases, customer incentives also increase.

5 Table 3: 2026 Plan, Mid-course adjustment, and Year-end forecast rate class allocations by 6 energy savings, demand savings, available capacity, and investment 2026 Plan as Approved 2026 Mid-course Adjustment 2026 Year-end forecast Rate...

AI summary Table 3 outlines the 2026 Plan, Mid-course adjustment, and Year-end forecast for rate class allocations by energy savings, demand savings, available capacity, and investment. It shows data across various rate classes, including residential, general, industrial, and municipal, with specific figures for energy and demand savings, available capacity, and investment in millions of dollars.

13 Direct Installation includes the Small Business Energy Solutions program component. - 1 Table 9 provides a breakdown of year-to-date expenditures by rate class within the Demand - 2 Response program.

AI summary The text references a table that breaks down year-to-date expenditures by rate class within the Demand Response program and mentions the inclusion of the Small Business Energy Solutions program component under Direct Installation.

4 Table 9 : Demand Response Rate Class Results Demand Response (2026 YTD) Available Capacity (MW) Expenditures ($ million) Participation (#) Residential/Charitable (2,3,4) 3.5 3.5 10,506 Small General (10) 0.0 0.0 0 General (11) 2.9 0.5 60...

AI summary Table 9 presents demand response rate class results for 2026, showing available capacity, expenditures, and participation across various rate classes. The data reveals significant participation in residential and medium industrial classes, while some classes show no participation or expenditures.

Attachment 2: Update on Implementation of 2024 and 2025 Evaluation Recommendations The status and expected completion timelines for 2024 evaluation recommendations were reported in E1's 2025 Annual Progress Report[10](#page-44-0), and two...

AI summary This attachment provides an update on the implementation of 2024 and 2025 evaluation recommendations. It references the 2025 Annual Progress Report and Q1 2026 DSM Report for updates on two recommendations, with another update expected in Q2.

Date Filed: August 25, 2026 Page 1 of 2 10 M12780, E1 2027-2031 DSM Plan Application, 2025 DSM Annual Progress Report, Attachment 2, pages 2-3, March 31, 2026. 11 M12875, E1 2026 Q1 DSM Report, Attachment 2, page 1, May 25, 2026. 12 M12875...

AI summary The document references multiple filings related to demand-side management (DSM) plans and reports, including the 2027-2031 DSM Plan Application and the 2026 Q1 DSM Report. These filings are attached to various matters and include detailed information on DSM progress and implementation.

Table 2: Update on implementation of 2025 Evaluation Recommendations Year Evaluation Recommendation Source Comments Status 2025 Leverage key awareness channels to increase program participation in Residential DR within and outside the curr...

AI summary The document provides an update on the implementation of 2025 Evaluation Recommendations. Key actions include increasing Residential DR participation, updating LED baseline standards, planning for market transformation, and conducting project reviews. Some recommendations are in progress, while others have been completed or deferred.