E-22023 DSM Programs Evaluation Reports
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SEM Findings and Recommendations This section provides the key findings and recommendations from the SEM evaluation. The recommendations are also outlined in Appendix XIX. 2023 SEM-Finding: SEM achieved 3.381 GWh in net electrical energy s...
AI summary The 2023 SEM evaluation found that the program achieved energy savings above targets, with high participant satisfaction. However, it lacks metrics for capital project realization and faces barriers like time commitment and staffing. Recommendations include tracking capital projects and improving communication on energy management's value.
Table 5: Implementation Status of Past Recommendations for Custom # Recommendations Status Comments 2022 Retrofit R1 Collect the required data and undertake a study to quantify, with reasonable confidence, a Nova Scotia relevant adjustment...
AI summary This table details the implementation status of a 2022 retrofit recommendation related to solar PV projects in Nova Scotia. The recommendation involved quantifying adjustment ratios between simulation software performance estimates and actual field performance. EOne provided energy production data for 18 solar PV projects, and the Evaluator determined distinct adjustment ratios for each modelling tool, which are now applied in the DSM evaluation process.
9.1 SEM Description In 2023, SEM and Energy Management Information Systems (EMIS) were merged into one program component. Previously, SEM and EMIS were offered as separate program components. SEM provides industrial and institutional parti...
AI summary The Strategic Energy Management (SEM) program, merged with Energy Management Information Systems (EMIS) in 2023, supports industrial and institutional participants in implementing energy management practices. Eligible participants receive funding and support for energy-saving actions, audits, and training, with the goal of achieving continuous energy savings and improving long-term energy performance.
11.1.2 Satisfaction with SEM The Evaluator assessed two key aspects of participant satisfaction, overall satisfaction with SEM and satisfaction with the Service Provider. There was a high level of satisfaction with SEM overall with an aver...
AI summary Participants expressed high satisfaction with the Strategic Energy Management (SEM) program, with an average rating of 8.0. They praised the support and expertise of SEM and Service Provider staff. One participant was not satisfied due to difficulty in identifying energy saving opportunities. Interviews also highlighted satisfaction with the Service Provider's responsiveness, technical expertise, and the program's value relative to time and cost.
11.1.3 Suggestions for Improvement While most participants were highly satisfied with SEM and the Service Provider, several still identified opportunities for improvement. - › Three respondents indicated that they would see value in having...
AI summary Participants in SEM expressed satisfaction but highlighted areas for improvement, including increased on-site support, incentives for non-electrical measures, leveraging the EOne network for local expertise, and emphasizing process improvements for greater energy savings.
Objectives The objectives of SEM are to "offer a structured path to SEM and support capital energy efficiency projects identified through SEM". The Evaluator considers that these objectives are attained because the evaluation served to det...
AI summary The Strategic Energy Management (SEM) program aims to provide a structured path to SEM and support capital energy efficiency projects. The Evaluator notes that while many participants benefit from the process, evidence of completed projects is incomplete, and metrics are lacking to fully assess the program's success.
Barriers and Actions The current logic model lists "savings not being guaranteed" and "large time commitment" as the main participant barriers to implementing a strategic energy management approach. While the large time commitment is a sim...
AI summary The document discusses barriers to implementing strategic energy management, including 'savings not being guaranteed' and 'large time commitment.' It notes that competing priorities and lack of qualified staff are significant barriers, suggesting that energy efficiency is not highly valued compared to production needs. The Evaluator identifies actions EOne could take through SEM to address these barriers.
12.2 Gross Savings This subsection describes the methodology used to review the six SEM projects that generated savings in 2023 and summarizes the review findings. Interactive effects, EUL values, and revised gross savings were also assess...
AI summary This subsection outlines the methodology for reviewing six SEM projects that generated savings in 2023 and summarizes the findings, including assessments of interactive effects, EUL values, and revised gross savings.
t and expertise provided by EOne staff and the Service Provider. 2023 SEM-Finding: The bottom-up M&V approach adopted in 2022 has not prevented SEM from meeting its energy management objectives. In the 2022 evaluation report, the Evaluator...
AI summary The 2023 SEM evaluation highlights that while the bottom-up M&V approach has not hindered SEM's energy management objectives, plant-level KPIs are missing from annual reports, making performance improvements less visible. The program lacks metrics for tracking capital energy efficiency projects and faces barriers such as time commitment, staff availability, and low priority for energy management.
A. Participation Process - A1. At what point in the participation process does EPS become involved? - A2. When EPS first contacts participants, how well do they understand what "strategic energy management" implies? What are their expectat...
AI summary The document outlines a series of questions regarding the participation process in the Strategic Energy Management (SEM) program, focusing on EPS's involvement, understanding of SEM by participants, program structure, and differences between EPS and OEMs. It also explores how the SEM process interacts with other programs like the Custom Retrofit initiative and Energy Management Information Systems (EMIS).
B. Motivations and Barriers - B1. In your experience, what are the most common barriers to the implementation of a strategic energy management process in industrial facilities? - B2. What are the most common motivations for participants to...
AI summary This section of the regulatory proceeding explores the motivations and barriers to implementing strategic energy management (SEM) in industrial facilities. Questions focus on common barriers, motivations for participation, the influence of decarbonization and electrification goals, and the impact of changes in measurement and verification (M&V) approaches on program engagement.
APPENDIX XV SEM Participant Interview Guide
AI summary This document is an appendix containing a participant interview guide for the SEM (Smart Energy Manager) process. It outlines the structure and content of interviews with participants, likely related to energy management and efficiency programs.
D. Participation Process - D1. We would like to validate with you which elements of the SEM process your organization has completed so far. Do you have: - i) An energy policy signed by the organization management? - ii) An assigned energy...
AI summary This section outlines the participation process for the Strategic Energy Management (SEM) program, asking organizations about their current energy management practices, reasons for non-implementation, and considerations regarding energy management information systems and program selection.