Topic:"Equity Access" in M12780

2031 DSM Plan satisfies all requirements of section 79I: (a) it is for a term of five years (2027–2031); (b) it describes in detail the DSM that E1 will provide to NS Power, as set out in Appendix A; - (c) it identifies the amount NS Power...

AI summary The 2031 DSM Plan meets statutory requirements under section 79I, including a five-year term, detailed DSM provisions, payment terms, and alignment with the draft Purchase Agreement. The Preferred Plan is argued to benefit customers through cost-effective energy savings, affordability, equity, and alignment with the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), while avoiding costly supply-side alternatives.

3.4 SOLAR-PV - E1 submits that customer sited solar-PV falls squarely within the statutory definition of demand-side - management under section 79A(b)(v), which includes DSM activities relating to "the delivery of a - reduction in the amou...

AI summary E1 argues customer-sited solar-PV qualifies as demand-side management (DSM) under the PUA, reducing NS Power's required supply. The program targets Mi'kmaw communities to address participation barriers, align with equity goals, and support reconciliation. The 2027–2031 DSM Plan includes 200 installations (0.9% of total DSM investment) focused on these communities, with future expansion contingent on cost-effectiveness and Energy Board approval.

5.5 DIVERSITY OF PROGRAM DELIVERY - Diversity in program delivery is a key way to minimize risk and involves the diversification of measures, - markets and strategies. The Preferred Plan includes a full suite of programs and strategies tha...

AI summary Diversity in program delivery reduces risk by diversifying measures, markets, and strategies. The Preferred Plan includes a broad range of programs targeting residential and BNI sectors. E1's diversified portfolio aims to ensure equitable participation despite higher unit costs or lower benefit/cost ratios for some opportunities.

DIVERSE MARKETS - The Preferred Plan also engages in a diverse range of markets. The investment in the Residential and - BNI sectors is focused on reducing barriers to reach a wide, diverse range of customers. The target markets - include:...

AI summary The Preferred Plan targets diverse markets, including homeowners, renters, and small businesses, while allocating 11% of residential savings to low-income and equity customers. It also dedicates solar-PV resources to Mi'kmaw communities.

5.7 ACCESS TO PROGRAMS BY ALL MARKET SECTORS AND RATE CLASSES BY ADDRESSING BARRIERS TO PARTICIPATION In developing the Preferred Plan portfolio, E1 ensured equitable access to programs across all market sectors and rate classes by explici...

AI summary The Preferred DSM Plan ensures equitable access to energy programs across all market sectors and rate classes by addressing structural, financial, and informational barriers. It includes targeted initiatives for low-income households, Mi'kmaw communities, and small businesses, with streamlined processes, no-cost options, and community partnerships to improve participation and equity.

5.8 RATE IMPACTS In designing the Preferred Plan portfolio, E1 explicitly balanced near-term rate impacts with the long-term value delivered to ratepayers. The portfolio reflects a measured approach to investment, limiting it to the same i...

AI summary E1's Preferred Plan balances near-term rate impacts with long-term value by maintaining 2026 investment levels, diversifying programming across customer classes, and prioritizing cost-effective, long-lasting measures. The approach emphasizes affordability, system flexibility, and equity through targeted low-income programs and efficient delivery, supported by a forward-looking Rate and Bill Impact Analysis.

9.2 SCENARIO IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STANDARDIZED FILING REQUIREMENTS. The Alternate Scenario represents a total investment in energy efficiency, demand response and solar PV of $308.4 million over the 2027–2031 DSM Plan. The design approac...

AI summary The Alternate Scenario invests $308.4 million in energy efficiency, demand response, and solar PV from 2027–2031. It maintains low-income and equity-focused investments while eliminating the Eco Shift program to address cost-effectiveness concerns and balance DSMAG perspectives.

s near-term affordability with long-term value by constraining investment to 2026 levels, during a period of significant cost-of-living challenges for Nova Scotians; 6 transmission, and distribution; - 1 (c) provides equitable access to DS...

AI summary The Preferred Plan ensures near-term affordability and long-term value by limiting investments to 2026 levels, promoting equitable DSM benefits across customer classes, achieving energy savings below supply-side costs, and aligning with NS Power's IRP. It complies with ERBA and NSEB directives, supporting competition, innovation, and GHG emission reductions through energy efficiency and strategic electrification.

1.1 OBJECTIVES OF THE 2027–2031 DSM PREFERRED PLAN - E1's objectives for the 2027–2031 DSM Preferred Plan include: - 1. deliver cost-effective demand side resources that support the successful implementation of a long-term electricity stra...

AI summary E1's 2027–2031 DSM Preferred Plan aims to deliver cost-effective demand-side resources aligned with ratepayer interests, ensure equitable access to services, and foster transparent stakeholder collaboration in resource planning.

Customer-Centric Approach • Continue E1's marketing strategy that aims to provide a customer-centric approach and personalized experience for customers. This strategy focuses on delivering consistent branding and messaging across all chann...

AI summary The document outlines E1's strategy to enhance customer experience through personalized marketing, streamlined website tools, and simplified program access. Key initiatives include consistent branding, a 'Program Rebate Finder' tool, data-driven customization, and standardized application processes to improve satisfaction and engagement.

1 Table 27: 2027–2031 Existing Residential Low-Income and Equity Performance Indicators Year Investment ($ million) First-Year Energy Savings (GWh) Lifetime Energy Savings (GWh) Peak Demand Savings (MW) Participation (homes) Participation...

AI summary Table 27 outlines projected residential low-income and equity performance indicators from 2027–2031, detailing investments, energy savings, and participation metrics across programs like Affordable Single-family Homes and Mi'kmaw Home Energy Efficiency Projects. Total participation spans 2,735 homes, 73,904 products, and 595 projects, with energy savings declining slightly over time.

- 3 [Table 33](#page-152-0) provides the program performance indicators an[d Table 34](#page-153-4) provides the provides the low-income - 4 and equity performance indicators. 1 DATE FILED: March 31, 2026 Page 65 of 112 19 The term 'prescr...

AI summary The text discusses program performance indicators and low-income and equity performance indicators, with a definition of 'prescriptive rebate' as a rebate value calculated before a participant purchases an eligible measure.

6.5.3 PERFORMANCE INDICATORS - 3 Table 38 provides the program performance indicators. Table 39 provides the low-income and equity - 4 performance indicators.

AI summary Section 6.5.3 references Table 38 (program performance indicators) and Table 39 (low-income and equity performance indicators), outlining metrics for evaluating program effectiveness and equity considerations.

13 8. SOLAR-PV - 14 E1 is proposing the introduction of a new Solar-PV program in the 2027–2031 DSM Preferred Plan. 15 Solar‑PV refers to technology that converts sunlight directly into electricity. Solar‑PV can produce 16 electricity that...

AI summary E1 proposes a Solar-PV program in the 2027–2031 DSM Plan, targeting Mi'kmaw communities to reduce energy burdens through equity-focused, small-scale residential initiatives. The program leverages existing frameworks, aims for phased implementation, and includes a $2.8M investment over five years, reflecting affordability and equity priorities.

12 Table 61: Proposed 2027–2031 DSM Preferred Plan Performance Targets 2027–2031 Performance Targets DSM Resource Energy Savings (GWh) Peak Demand Savings (MW) Low-Income & Equity Energy Savings (GWh) Available Demand Response Capacity (MW...

AI summary Table 61 outlines proposed 2027–2031 DSM performance targets, including 435.4 GWh energy savings from Energy Efficiency, 85.0 MW peak demand savings, 14.0 GWh low-income equity savings, 29.3 MW demand response capacity, and 1.7 GWh solar-PV generation. Targets aim to balance energy efficiency, demand response, and renewable integration.

13.4.1 QUARTERLY REPORTING - Quarterly reports provide regular updates on DSM implementation, performance, and expenditures - during each Plan year. These reports support ongoing monitoring and early identification of emerging - trends or...

AI summary E1 is required to submit quarterly reports to the NSEB detailing DSM implementation, performance metrics, and expenditures. Reports include YTD data, mid-course adjustments, rate class variances, and program highlights, with specific filing dates set by NSUARB. The reports aim to monitor progress toward five-year targets and ensure compliance with the approved DSM Resource Plan.

1 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2 EfficiencyOne (E1) delivers demand side management (DSM) programs that offer benefits to customers 3 and the electric utility. While DSM is a key resource option for delivering clean, affordable, reliable and 4 saf...

AI summary EfficiencyOne (E1) highlights that demand side management (DSM) programs reduce customer bills, offsetting potential rate increases. However, equity concerns arise as non-participating customers face higher rates. E1's Rate and Bill Impact Analysis (RBIA) assesses historical and future DSM impacts, informing Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) decisions on DSM investments from 2011–2026 and future plans (2027–2031).

ision, E1 has included a - historical RBIA as part of the 2027–2031 DSM Resource Plan Application. The analysis provides the reader with a picture of rate and bill impacts for the following groups of - ratepayers by rate class: - Non-parti...

AI summary E1's 2027–2031 DSM Resource Plan Application includes a historical and forward-looking RBIA to assess rate and bill impacts on participants, non-participants, and total customers. The analysis highlights equity concerns, as non-participants may face higher bills, requiring regulatory guidance to balance cost-effective DSM investments with customer equity.

Equitable Remedy 9. The Recipient acknowledges that any unauthorized use of the Confidential Information or any breach of its obligations under this Agreement will result in irreparable harm to the Disclosing Party which cannot be adequate...

AI summary The Recipient acknowledges that unauthorized use of Confidential Information causes irreparable harm to the Disclosing Party. The Recipient agrees not to oppose interim or interlocutory equitable remedies sought by the Disclosing Party to enforce the Agreement. Such remedies are not exclusive and survive termination of the Agreement. The Recipient deems the provisions fair and reasonable in commercial circumstances.

by program and rate class); v. Annual incremental system-peak demand savings (reported by program and rate class); vi. Cumulative system-peak demand savings (reported by program and rate class); vii. Annual incremental and cumulative energ...

AI summary The text outlines metrics for regulatory reporting in Nova Scotia's energy sector, including demand savings, solar-PV generation, low-income and Mi'kmaw-specific programs, and cost recovery. Metrics are categorized by program, rate class, and equity considerations, emphasizing transparency in energy efficiency and demand response initiatives.

Equitable Remedy - 3 - DATE FILED: March 31, 2026 Page 29 of 33 1 9. The Recipient acknowledges that any unauthorized use of the Confidential 2 Information or any breach of its obligations under this Agreement will result in 3 irreparable...

AI summary The Recipient acknowledges that unauthorized use of Confidential Information would cause irreparable harm to the Disclosing Party. The Recipient agrees not to oppose interim or interlocutory equitable remedies to enforce the Agreement and accepts that these provisions are fair and reasonable. Such remedies are not exclusive and complement other legal remedies.

4.3.4.1 Low Income and Equity Considerations - Consistent with the Balanced Plan Approach, E1 will design and deliver programs and services that - benefit low-income and equity customers, including both dedicated programs and incidental -...

AI summary E1 will design programs and services to benefit low-income and equity customers through both targeted initiatives and incidental impacts from non-targeted programs, aligning with the Balanced Plan Approach.

4.8.2 Quarterly Reports - E1 will file quarterly reports with the Board for quarters one through three of each year. Reporting - requirements were established under the 2013–2015 DSM Plan Settlement Agreement and - continue to evolve: [9](...

AI summary E1 is required to submit quarterly reports to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, detailing program performance, variances, forecasts, and equity outcomes under the 2013–2015 DSM Plan Settlement Agreement. Reports must include mid-course adjustments, variance explanations, year-end forecasts, rate-class expenditures, and Enabling Strategies updates.

4. 2025 PROGRAM RESULTS - This section provides an overview of 2025 results and activities for E1's Residential and BNI sector - programs including: - evaluation activities; - program results and highlights; - discussion of program varianc...

AI summary The section outlines E1's 2025 program results for Residential and BNI sector programs, including evaluation activities, results, variance explanations for programs with 25%+ deviations, savings for underserved communities, and Enabling Strategies highlights. Program rate class results are detailed in Attachment 1.

2 4.5 Low-Income, Diverse, Underserved Communities - 3 In 2025, E1 updated its assumptions and estimation methodology for calculating impacts from - 4 E1's dedicated program components (Affordable Multifamily Housing, Affordable Single-Fam...

AI summary E1 updated its methodology for calculating low-income and equity impacts from its DSM programs in 2025. Dedicated programs like Affordable Multifamily Housing and the Mi'kmaw Home Energy Efficiency Project exclusively serve low-income communities. Non-targeted programs saw changes, including the Appliance Retirement program's end and revised assumptions for Business Energy Rebates. The methodology was filed with E1's 2026 DSM Extension Application.

Domestic Hot Water Controller Pathway Shifted Energy (recently acquired by Resource Innovations) is the service provider and technology partner for the DHW DLC used in Residential DR. Shifted Energy provides the load control devices, train...

AI summary Shifted Energy, a provider of DHW DLC for Residential DR, reports positive participant feedback and effective connectivity solutions for rural areas. They recommend E1 prioritize equitable access and expand device enrollment per household, aligning with CLEAResult's suggestions. No negative feedback or opt-outs have been reported.

Ensure Fairness It should be fair and not disadvantage any participants, regardless of their size or consumption patterns.

AI summary The text emphasizes the importance of fairness in regulatory proceedings, ensuring no participants are disadvantaged based on their size or consumption patterns. It underscores the need for equitable treatment across all stakeholders in the process.

The table below outlines key findings and observations derived from the documentation review. Element Documentation review findings General comments and considerations Diversity, equity & inclusion Strong DEI foundation: EfficiencyOne's DE...

AI summary The documentation review highlights EfficiencyOne's strong DEI foundation, noting that most representation targets have been achieved or exceeded, though Indigenous representation targets remain unmet. A comprehensive DEI review is recommended to assess how effectively DEI is embedded across the organization and to further evaluate representation targets.

1 alternative supply side options that would be required to be generated to deliver the 2 same level of energy savings and available capacity. 3 4 Program Mix – E1's portfolio must adhere to the Balanced Plan principles, which 5 include, a...

AI summary The document discusses E1's commitment to equitable access to energy programs, particularly for low-income and equity-deserving communities, and addresses strategic electrification as a means to reduce GHG emissions and electricity costs. E1 defines strategic electrification as a deliberate shift from fossil fuels to electricity with targeted benefits.

Other Low Income & Equity Programming In accordance with Section 4.0, the Balanced Plan Approach, E1 will design and deliver programs and services that benefit low-income & equity customers.

AI summary E1 is required to design and deliver programs and services that benefit low-income and equity customers, in accordance with Section 4.0 of the Balanced Plan Approach.

Other Low Income and Equity Programming In accordance with Section 4.3.10, the Balanced Plan Approach, EfficiencyOne E1 will design and deliver programs and services that benefit low-income and equity customers. Nova Scotians not affected...

AI summary EfficiencyOne E1 is required to design and deliver programs and services that benefit low-income and equity customers in accordance with Section 4.3.10 of the Balanced Plan Approach. This initiative is not affected by the NS Power charitable donation.

eds may make it more challenging for some homes to reach net-zero, as larger or higher-occupancy homes may consume more electricity than a modestly-sized Solar-PV system can offset on an annual basis; • Home site conditions may limit Solar...

AI summary The document discusses challenges in achieving net-zero energy consumption for some homes due to factors like home size, site conditions, and financial constraints. E1 plans to use performance tiers and pro-rate incentives to ensure equitable support for Mi'kmaw residents, even if they cannot fully offset annual electricity consumption.

="page-8-1"> 7 Id., p. 35. is to improve program design and data while recognizing that there may not be a robust path for SE in Nova Scotia under the current modified PAC framework. Solar-PV should not be included in the DSM portfolio. E1...

AI summary The document argues that Solar-PV should not be included in the DSM portfolio, despite its potential benefits for Mi'kmaw communities. It highlights concerns about double compensation through net metering and the need to reserve DSM funding for demand-side measures that directly reduce energy and capacity supply obligations.

Inclusion of Solar PV in E1's Preferred Plan E1's Preferred Plan includes a new residential Solar PV program. Unlike strategic electrification, which E1 excluded as a resource and instead proposed to focus research and development efforts...

AI summary E1's Preferred Plan introduces a new residential Solar PV program, targeting Mi'kmaw communities and aligning with the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act. The program is modest in scale and part of the DSM portfolio, excluding strategic electrification in favor of Enabling Strategies research.

d make it available during the actual system risk hours. Solar-plus-storage may be a different resource, but its capacity value depends on storage duration, controls, dispatchability, and measurement. The equity rationale for E1's proposal...

AI summary The text discusses the capacity value of Solar PV as a traditional DSM resource, noting its limited contribution. It emphasizes the need to consider equity and affordability, particularly for Mi'kmaw communities, and suggests alternative funding mechanisms for Solar PV programs. References to other jurisdictions' planning and reliability reports are cited.

- Q. Please state your name, title, and employer. - A. My name is Alice Napoleon. I am a Senior Principal at Synapse Energy - Economics, Inc. ("Synapse"), located at 485 Massachusetts Avenue, Suite 3, - Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. - Q. Pleas...

AI summary Alice Napoleon is a Senior Principal at Synapse Energy Economics, Inc., a firm specializing in energy regulation, planning, and analysis. She has over 21 years of experience in economic and policy analysis, focusing on energy efficiency, system decarbonization, and equity. She has worked with various government agencies and provided testimony before regulatory bodies in the U.S. and Canada.

At PDF page 10, Brattle states: DSM funding should be reserved for resources that directly and efficiently reduce Nova Scotia's energy and capacity supply obligations through demand-side measures or provide measurable system value in a man...

AI summary Brattle argues that DSM funding should be reserved for demand-side measures that directly reduce energy and capacity supply obligations and provide system value. It notes that distributed solar PV systems are already compensated via net metering, and including them in DSM funding would lead to double compensation and raise policy, rate design, cost allocation, and equity issues.

- Third, the application is aligned with Nova Scotia's clean energy and greenhouse gas objectives. - DSM reduces energy waste and avoids emissions associated with electricity production. - EfficiencyOne's public filing materials describe e...

AI summary The application aligns with Nova Scotia's clean energy and greenhouse gas reduction goals by promoting demand-side management (DSM) as a necessary and cost-effective component of the energy transition. It emphasizes equity and access, ensuring benefits are broadly shared. The Department supports approval after thorough scrutiny of program design, cost allocation, and other factors.

//www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/catalogue/75F0002M2021001) ' Proposals for a Northern Market Basket Measure and its disposable income .' Furthermore, as stated in Opportunity for All , the Government of Canada committed to "work[ing] with Nat...

AI summary The text discusses the development of the Northern Market Basket Measure (MBM-N) and related indicators of poverty and well-being, as part of the Government of Canada's commitment to co-develop non-income-based measures with Indigenous organizations. It also references statistical definitions and resources from Statistics Canada on low-income concepts and data collection methods.

To: Nova Scotia Energy Board Crystal Henwood, Clerk of the Nova Scotia Energy Board 3rd Floor Summit Place 1601 Lower Water Street, Halifax, NS B3J 3S3 By secure file transfer service (https://board.titanfile.com/NSEB/) - 1. The Affordable...

AI summary The Affordable Energy Coalition (AEC) seeks to participate as an intervenor in proceeding #M12780 to advocate for equitable electricity access for low-income customers in Nova Scotia. They request communication with the Energy Board regarding issues affecting these customers.

35 Request IR-7: 36 37 Reference: Evidence, page 38. 38 39 "The level of DSM considered optimal in NS Power's IRP is in the best interest of 40 ratepayers for the long term, offering significant economic benefits, but E1 must also 41 consi...

AI summary NSP argues that maintaining the 2026 DSM Plan investment of $63.75 million without inflation adjustments aligns with long-term ratepayer interests despite rising costs. E1 is questioned on its methodology for determining the 'optimal' DSM level and whether inflation inaction erodes purchasing power and GWh savings over time.