Topic:"Environmental Goals And Climate Change Reduction Act" in M12282

1 The More Access to Energy Act establishes the following purposes: 2 3 2 The purpose of this Act is to 4 5 (a) increase competition and innovation in the Province's energy sector; 6 7 (b) ensure the provision of a safe, secure, reliable a...

AI summary The More Access to Energy Act aims to increase competition and innovation in Nova Scotia's energy sector, ensure a reliable energy supply, and support sustainable development and prosperity as defined by the Environment Act and Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act. It also outlines a transition to an independent energy system operator.

ative changes noted above have broadened the scope of what the Energy Board must now 7 consider when assessing the applications that come before it, including those pertaining to DSM activities. 8 9 6.3 LEGISLATIVE MANDATE TO CONSIDER NON-...

AI summary Recent legislative changes have expanded the Energy Board's mandate to consider non-utility impacts, including environmental and sustainability factors, when assessing DSM activities. The Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act and the More Access to Energy Act now require the integration of GHG reduction targets and sustainable development into regulatory decisions.

hour (BPK) of air quality-related public health benefits of investments in energy efficiency 19 and renewable energy as detailed by EFG. Table 9 presents the societal impacts, their description and DATE FILED: May 16, 2025 Page 33 of 38 Ef...

AI summary The text discusses the societal impacts of energy efficiency and renewable energy investments, including resilience, greenhouse gas emissions, environmental impacts, economic development, and public health. It references Table 9, which outlines these impacts and their inclusion in the new Best Interest of Customers (BCA) framework.

GhG al Policy Section 1: Nova Scotia PRIORITY POLICIES 6 2 6 3 4 4 4 1 NSUARB Mandate NS Power Performance Standards (Public 2 1 2 1 2 Utilities Act) Demand Side Management (Public Utilities 2 1 2 Act) Electricity Act 6 1 1 1 Environmental...

AI summary The text outlines key priority policies in Nova Scotia, including the NSUARB mandate, NS Power performance standards under the Public Utilities Act, Demand Side Management, the Electricity Act, the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act, and Nova Scotia’s Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth (2022).

Page 51 of 68 EfficiencyOne Benefit-Cost Analysis Test Application Appendix B energyfuturesgroup.com 52 Figure 4: EPA Estimated Benefit per kWh of Reduced Criteria Air Pollutants by Region and DER Type One stakeholder noted during the work...

AI summary The text discusses the application of the EPA's estimated benefit per kWh of reduced criteria air pollutants by region and DER type, noting that Nova Scotia's fuel mix is similar to the Mid-Atlantic or Midwest regions of the US. However, the EPA model accounts for regional differences in air quality and demographics, and it is recommended not to adopt higher values from these regions at this time. Future adjustments may be considered to better reflect Nova Scotia's specific conditions.

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.

- 2 system benefit that is not measured and is considered not material. 1 Request IR-05: 5 (a) Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat Guidance (TBCS): Include all relevant economic, 6 environmental, and social impacts 7 BCA: includes utility...

AI summary The document outlines the considerations for a Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) in relation to Demand Side Management (DSM) programs, emphasizing the inclusion of economic, environmental, and social impacts, full lifecycle analysis, and market adjustments. It notes that Nova Scotia does not participate in an organized wholesale electricity market, affecting the inclusion of certain metrics.

- 5 exercise. 6 Table 3. Justification for Inclusion of Non-Utility System Impacts in Nova Scotia Test Non-Utility System Impact Relevant Policy Other Fuels • Environmental and Climate Change Reduction Act • Nova Scotia's Climate Plan for...

AI summary The text outlines the justification for including non-utility system impacts in the Nova Scotia Test, referencing various policies and acts such as the Environmental and Climate Change Reduction Act and Nova Scotia's Climate Plan for Clean Growth. It also cites a source related to a regulatory proceeding.

Q. Should the Nova Scotia Test include other fuels? A. Yes. There are several policies and energy goals that support the inclusion of other fuels, such as natural gas, fuel oil, propane, and gasoline and diesel for electric vehicles, in th...

AI summary The Nova Scotia Test should include other fuels like natural gas and propane to align with climate policies and electrification goals. The Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth and amended Public Utilities Act support this, emphasizing reduced heating oil use and strategic electrification. The Energy Reform Act and related legislation also expand regulatory considerations to include sustainable development and host customer impacts.

Evidence of Courtney Lane 1 Scotians" and non-utility system impacts such as GHG emissions.36 The language 2 contained in these statutes implies a broader approach to evaluating cost-effectiveness, 3 and including host customer impacts is...

AI summary Courtney Lane argues that the Nova Scotia Test should include societal impacts such as GHG emissions, resilience, and public health. She references the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act and recommendations from Environment and Climate Change Canada to support her claim.

GHG emissions and other environmental categories. 38 Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act , SNS 2021, c 20, sections 5-7. 39 Social Cost of Greenhouse Gas Estimates – Interim Updated Guidance for the Government of Canada, a...

AI summary The text references the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act and provides a link to guidance on Social Cost of Greenhouse Gas Estimates issued by the Government of Canada, highlighting the focus on GHG emissions and environmental categories.

Nova Scotia Utility Board, Decision in M0888, April 15, 2020, paragraph 49. 1 benefits and an array of environmental benefits with the definition of electricity 2 44 efficiency and conservation activities in the Public Utilities Act. Speci...

AI summary The Nova Scotia Utility Board discusses the reevaluation of cost-effectiveness criteria, incorporating environmental and non-energy benefits, based on recent legislative changes such as the Energy Reform Act and the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act. This reevaluation aims to align rate-setting with broader policy goals, including sustainability and market competition.

Evidence of Courtney Lane states that the long-term objective of the Government is to achieve sustainable prosperity, which includes supporting "the well-being and quality of life for all Nova Scotians" and working towards "continues impro...

AI summary Courtney Lane argues the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) should reconsider its authority to include Non-Energy Benefits (NEBs) in cost-effectiveness screening. E1 proposes quantifying NEBs like asset value, productivity, and health using proxy adders from EFG. The analysis references the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act (SNS 2021, c 20) and cites matter M12282.

6 Q. Why did Efficiency One (E1) submit this Application at this time? - 7 A. E1 submitted this Application in response to a directive in the 2022 Decision issued by the 8 NSUARB that directed E1 to develop an optimal cost-effectiveness te...

AI summary Efficiency One (E1) submitted an application to the NSEB to replace the total resource cost (TRC) test with a benefit-cost analysis (BCA) test for assessing future DSM plans, citing changes in Nova Scotia legislation and regulations since the NSUARB's 2022 directive.

to provide justification on why any such measure falls below the 1.0 threshold when the BCA test is applied. Such information will inform decisions regarding inclusion of programs and measures, given Government of Nova Scotia, Department o...

AI summary The document discusses the need to justify measures below a 1.0 BCA threshold for inclusion in programs. It references Nova Scotia's legislative efforts to modernize its electricity system, including the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act. The government emphasizes strategic electrification, efficiency programs for low-income households, and environmental protection as key policy goals.

herefore, directed E1 to work with the Demand-side Management Advisory Group (DSMAG) before the 2026- 2028 DSM Plan application to assess and develop an optimal DSM cost-effective testing methodology. [13] After the NSUARB's decision in M1...

AI summary The NSUARB directed E1 to collaborate with DSMAG on developing a DSM cost-effective testing methodology for the 2026-2028 DSM Plan. Legislative changes post-M10473, including amendments to the Public Utilities Act and the 2024 Energy Reform Act, expanded DSM evaluation to the portfolio level and integrated climate goals into the Board's mandate.

3.1 Consumer Advocate [28] The Consumer Advocate is a signatory to the Consensus Agreement. The Consumer Advocate argues that recent amendments to the Public Utilities Act altered the criteria the Board is to apply in evaluating E1's propo...

AI summary The Consumer Advocate argues that amendments to the Public Utilities Act require the NSUARB to evaluate demand-side management at the portfolio level, incorporating sustainability and environmental factors. They support E1's BCA test over the PAC test, citing its alignment with policy goals like sustainable development and greenhouse gas reduction. The 2% social discount rate is preferred for long-term impacts, and the 10% proxy value for beneficial electrification is maintained.

3.5 East Coast Environmental Law [56] East Coast Environmental Law (ECEL) is a party to the Consensus Agreement and supports E1's proposed new BCA test as amended by the contents of the agreement. It states in its closing submissions: … We...

AI summary East Coast Environmental Law (ECEL) supports E1's revised BCA test, emphasizing inclusion of avoided carbon social costs in DSM evaluations. It argues that the Energy Reform (2024) Act expands the Board's environmental mandate, aligning regulatory decisions with sustainable development and prosperity goals under multiple acts. ECEL stresses that these new responsibilities complement, not override, affordability and reliability considerations.

with the goal of approving rates, tolls, charges, tariffs, capital applications or other matters that are consistent with the purpose of this Act, the More Access to Energy Act and the regulations. [90] To follow through the threads in s....

AI summary The text discusses statutory changes under the More Access to Energy Act and Energy and Regulatory Boards Act , emphasizing objectives like increasing energy sector competition, ensuring reliable energy supply, and transitioning to an independent system operator. It outlines the establishment of regulatory boards and their roles, while aligning with sustainability goals from the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act .

ts and strategies not only focus on cost-effectiveness but also contribute to broader environmental and social goals, fostering a more sustainable and equitable future. [Exhibit E-1, pp. 17-18 of 38] [116] E1 submits that the recent legisl...

AI summary E1 argues that legislative changes, including the Energy and Regulatory Boards Act and More Access to Energy Act , empower the NSUARB to prioritize environmental, social, and economic benefits of DSM programs alongside cost considerations. It emphasizes that the Board must align decisions with Nova Scotia's climate and sustainability goals, using the Proposed BCA as a tool to meet statutory obligations.

3.1 OVERVIEW OF RELEVANT STATUTORY PROVISIONS E1 is the franchise holder, granted the exclusive right to supply Nova Scotia Power Incorporated (NS Power) with reasonably available, cost-effective DSM pursuant to section 79A and following o...

AI summary This section outlines the statutory provisions relevant to demand-side management (DSM) in Nova Scotia, including the 2022 amendment to the Public Utilities Act and the 2024 Energy Reform Act . These amendments expanded E1's mandate and the Nova Scotia Energy Board's responsibilities to include sustainable development, climate goals, and the transition to an independent energy system operator.

Energy Reform (2024) Act , SNS 2024, April 2024, Part I: Energy and Regulatory Boards Act (Schedule A), Part II: More Access to Energy Act (Schedule B). 1 3 In this Act, […] 2 3 9 "sustainable development" has the same meaning as in the En...

AI summary The Energy Reform (2024) Act introduces new obligations for the Energy Board, requiring it to consider factors such as competition, innovation, sustainability, and reliability when approving rates and other matters. It aligns with the Environment Act and the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act.

(b) the franchise holder granted a franchise pursuant to Section 79C of the Public Utilities Act; […] Thereby, these Acts together provide the Energy Board with the authority and direction to consider sustainable development and sustainabl...

AI summary The document outlines the legal framework empowering the Nova Scotia Energy Board to integrate climate and sustainability considerations into its decisions on demand-side management (DSM). This authority is rooted in statutory provisions such as the Energy and Regulatory Boards Act and the More Access to Energy Act, ensuring regulatory decisions align with provincial climate action objectives.

4.3 APPLICABLE DISCOUNT RATE E1, relying on expert analysis provided by EFG, submits that the adoption of a 2% real discount rate for evaluating impacts under the Proposed BCA test is both reasonable and legally sound. It reflects a societ...

AI summary E1, supported by EFG, argues that a 2% real discount rate is legally sound and aligns with NSPM and Nova Scotia legislation, including GHG mitigation and sustainable development. They oppose using WACC, claiming it misrepresents long-term benefits and legislative goals, with support from Efficiency Canada.

Public Utilities Act , RSNS 1989, c 380, s 79L(5). 1 (a) support competition and innovation in the provision of energy resources 25 (a) increase competition and innovation in the Province's energy sector; 26 (b) ensure the provision of a s...

AI summary The document outlines the objectives of the Public Utilities Act, emphasizing the promotion of competition and innovation in energy provision, ensuring reliable and economical energy supply, and supporting sustainable development and greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals as defined by the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act.

ange the specific mandates under the PUA . The provision directs the Board to turn its mind to several factors when rendering a decision but very much leaves open what is "appropriate" consideration. The Industrial Group respectfully disag...

AI summary The Industrial Group disputes E1's interpretation of the PUA, arguing that E1's reliance on other acts and overemphasis on certain factors extends the Board's jurisdiction beyond the Act's plain language.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY CONSIDERATIONS Considerable weight has been given by E1 and EFG in this process to the recent addition of sustainable development and sustainable prosperity as a factor which the Board is...

AI summary E1 and EFG emphasized the Board's mandate under the Energy and Regulatory Boards Act to consider sustainable development and prosperity, defined via existing legislation like the Environment Act and Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act . These concepts require balancing economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility, with the Board's interpretation of 'appropriate consideration' remaining discretionary.

st/sns-2024-c-2-sch-b.html) , SNS 2024, c 2, s 2 [" More Access to Energy Act "]. Gas Distribution Act , supra note 4 at cl 3(1)(g) and 3(1)(h); More Access to Energy Act , supra note 5 at s 3. future generations to meet their own needs"....

AI summary The text discusses the definitions of 'sustainable development' and 'sustainable prosperity' in various Nova Scotia legislation, noting their absence in the Energy and Regulatory Boards Act . It argues for consistency by aligning these terms with definitions from the Gas Distribution Act and the More Access to Energy Act .

The Board's Jurisdiction to Take Non-energy Impacts into Account in Cost-effectiveness Testing for Demand-side Management Plans The second issue concerns the Board's jurisdiction to take non-energy impacts into account in cost-effectivenes...

AI summary The document addresses whether the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (UARB) can consider non-energy impacts in cost-effectiveness testing for Demand-side Management (DSM) plans. It references the Energy Reform (2024) Act and the EfficiencyOne (Re) case, where the UARB previously ruled against considering non-energy impacts. ECEL supports EfficiencyOne's argument that the new Act expanded the Board's jurisdiction to include non-energy benefits in DSM cost-effectiveness analyses.

21 A. Overview 22 23 E1's new proposed BCA Test was developed by E1 and its consultant, Energy Futures Group 24 ("EFG"), through consultation with the DSM Advisory Group ("DSMAG"). These consultations 25 were informed by recent amendments...

AI summary E1's new BCA Test, developed with Energy Futures Group and DSMAG, aligns with Nova Scotia's Energy Reform Act (2024) and incorporates non-utility impacts like environmental and host customer factors. The Consumer Advocate supports the test post-Partial Consensus Agreement, which adjusted proxy values for BCA testing in the 2027-2031 DSM Plan.

to meet their own needs."[38](#page-9-2) 42 [ 37 ](#page-9-1) Canada (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration) v. Vavilov , 2019 SCC 65 at para 44. [ 38 ](#page-9-3) Environment Act , SNS 1994-95, c 1, s 3, (z) (aw). 39 41 43 2 The Environ...

AI summary The document references the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act , which sets greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, including 53% below 2005 levels by 2030 and net zero by 2050. It also notes that the Energy and Regulatory Boards Act requires the Board to consider these goals when making decisions.

13 Reply Submissions of the Consumer Advocate 14 15 Please accept these as the reply submissions on behalf of the Consumer Advocate regarding the 16 Application filed by EfficiencyOne ("E1") for approval of a New Benefit-Cost Analysis ("BC...

AI summary The Consumer Advocate's reply submissions challenge EfficiencyOne's proposed BCA test for Demand Side Management Plans, emphasizing legislative integration between the Energy and Regulatory Boards Act, More Access to Energy Act, and Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act. The Industrial Group disputes EfficiencyOne's interpretation of these statutes.

side management at the portfolio level when reviewing a franchise holder's DSM plan and supply agreement. The text and structure of the PUA make the portfolio-level evaluation a distinct statutory The Energy and Regulatory Boards Act requi...

AI summary The document discusses statutory obligations under the PUA and Energy and Regulatory Boards Act, emphasizing sustainable development and GHG goals. It critiques NS Power's TRC approach for failing to meet requirements, while E1's proposed BCA aligns with statutory mandates. Key legislation includes the Energy Reform (2024) Act and More Access to Energy Act.

Consideration of greenhouse gas emissions ECEL is particularly supportive of the inclusion of the social cost of carbon among non-utility system benefits in E1's proposed BCAT.[11](#page-4-0) Additionally, the CA agrees with E1 that the le...

AI summary ECEL supports including the social cost of carbon in E1's BCAT. The CA agrees with E1 that legislative changes expand the Board's mandate to consider greenhouse gas emissions. NS Power argues for quantifying emissions reductions alongside cost savings for strategic electrification, aligning with EGCCRA's 2030 and 2050 emission targets.

herefore, directed E1 to work with the Demand-side Management Advisory Group (DSMAG) before the 2026- 2028 DSM Plan application to assess and develop an optimal DSM cost-effective testing methodology. [13] After the NSUARB's decision in M1...

AI summary Legislative changes in Nova Scotia, including amendments to the Public Utilities Act and the Energy Reform Act (2024), have expanded the NSUARB's mandate to include climate goals and sustainable development. These changes affect demand-side management (DSM) evaluation methods, shifting analysis to the portfolio level and incorporating strategic electrification.

3.1 Consumer Advocate [28] The Consumer Advocate is a signatory to the Consensus Agreement. The Consumer Advocate argues that recent amendments to the Public Utilities Act altered the criteria the Board is to apply in evaluating E1's propo...

AI summary The Consumer Advocate argues that recent amendments to the Public Utilities Act require evaluating demand-side management programs at the portfolio level, including strategic electrification. They emphasize incorporating sustainability factors in the BCA test, preferring E1's approach over the PAC test, and support a 2% social discount rate for long-term impacts. They also maintain the 10% proxy value for electrification and acknowledge the PAC test as a potential secondary measure.

3.5 East Coast Environmental Law [56] East Coast Environmental Law (ECEL) is a party to the Consensus Agreement and supports E1's proposed new BCA test as amended by the contents of the agreement. It states in its closing submissions: … We...

AI summary East Coast Environmental Law (ECEL) supports E1's revised BCA test, emphasizing inclusion of carbon social costs in DSM evaluations. It argues that the Energy Reform (2024) Act expands the Board's environmental mandate, requiring alignment with sustainability goals under multiple acts. ECEL stresses that sustainable development and prosperity must be considered alongside affordability and reliability in energy regulation.

with the goal of approving rates, tolls, charges, tariffs, capital applications or other matters that are consistent with the purpose of this Act, the More Access to Energy Act and the regulations. [90] To follow through the threads in s....

AI summary The text discusses statutory changes under Nova Scotia's energy regulation, focusing on the More Access to Energy Act and Energy and Regulatory Boards Act . Key objectives include fostering competition, ensuring reliable energy supply, and transitioning to an independent system operator. The More Access to Energy Act defines sustainable development and outlines procurement practices and energy planning goals.

ts and strategies not only focus on cost-effectiveness but also contribute to broader environmental and social goals, fostering a more sustainable and equitable future. [Exhibit E-1, pp. 17-18 of 38] [116] E1 submits that the recent legisl...

AI summary E1 argues that legislative changes empower the Board to consider broader societal objectives, including sustainable development and GHG reduction, in regulatory decisions, citing sections of the Energy and Regulatory Boards Act and related legislation.