Topic:"Home Energy Assessment" in M09096

1 5.1.2 How does the Preferred Plan respond to the decline in savings from lighting? 2 3 The Preferred Plan responds to this projected decline in savings by diversifying its 4 program delivery to energy saving measures beyond lighting. In...

AI summary The Preferred Plan addresses declining lighting savings by diversifying programs to include non-lighting energy efficiency measures. It increases funding for home energy assessments, insulation, and heating systems, while shifting the BNI Efficiency Rebates Program focus from lighting to technologies like heating and compressed air. This aligns with industry trends toward comprehensive energy savings strategies.

9 Residential 10 11 Demand reduction in the Residential sector focuses on installing electric thermal 12 storage (ETS) units and electric storage domestic water heater timers in the Green Heat 13 and Home Energy Assessment program componen...

AI summary The Residential and BNI sectors focus on demand reduction via electric thermal storage (ETS) and water heater timers. These technologies enable passive peak demand savings, reduce customer inconvenience, and align with the Preferred Plan's goal of achieving 120.1 MW demand reduction by 2022 through increased investment in DSM initiatives.

4.2.1 Overview - The Existing Residential program provides residential customers with access to technical and financial assistance to identify, assess and implement energy efficiency and system-peak demand reduction upgrades. The Existing...

AI summary The Existing Residential program offers residential customers energy efficiency and demand reduction upgrades through five components, including Affordable Multi-Family Housing, Efficient Product Installation, and Home Energy Assessments. The program targets low-income renters and non-profits, providing technical and financial support. TRC and PAC are defined as benefit/cost ratios for evaluating program effectiveness.

Additional Support Increased financial support will be provided for heat pump water heaters and DWHR in both the Green Heat and Home Energy Assessment program components. Additional engagement with plumbers and plumbing contractors will be...

AI summary Increased financial support for heat pump water heaters and domestic water heating recovery (DWHR) in the Green Heat and Home Energy Assessment programs. Collaboration with plumbers and contractors aims to enhance residential sector implementation of these upgrades.

Mid-stream[12](#page-115-0) Delivery Approach for Cold Climate Ductless Heat Pumps Currently, incentives for ductless heat pumps are delivered through a downstream mail- in rebate via Green Heat or as part of whole home upgrades in Home En...

AI summary The document proposes transitioning from downstream mail-in rebates to mid-stream instant rebates for cold climate ductless heat pumps, aiming to reduce administrative barriers, improve customer understanding, and lower upfront costs. EfficiencyOne will collaborate with distributors to promote the program.

Deeper Energy Savings Support for Home Energy Assessment Participants Home upgrades such as increasing insulation and, energy efficient space and water heating systems are an important part of the residential sector portfolio. Achieving de...

AI summary The document highlights the importance of home energy upgrades and the Home Energy Assessment (HEA) program in achieving long-term energy savings. With 17% market penetration in 2018, the program aims for growth through two enhancements to increase participation in residential energy efficiency initiatives.

Project Management Support - Existing Residential will begin offering project management support to participants who wish to complete significant home upgrades in Home Energy Assessment. This project management support will build on assist...

AI summary Existing Residential will expand project management support for Home Energy Assessment participants, offering detailed report guidance, facilitating contractor connections via Efficiency Trade Network (ETN), and linking customers to Efficiency Nova Scotia (ENS) programs. This builds on existing HEA assistance to streamline home upgrade participation.

Demand Reduction Measures Demand reduction initiatives are being introduced as part of the broader DSM portfolio in the Preferred Plan. These initiatives are meant to build on the demand reduction pilot beginning in 2019. Demand reduction...

AI summary Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSP) is introducing demand reduction measures as part of the Demand Side Management (DSM) portfolio in the Preferred Plan, building on a 2019 pilot. Measures include ETS units and electric storage hot water heater timers under the Green Heat and Home Energy Assessment programs.

5.2 Custom Incentives: Program Description

AI summary The section outlines the Custom Incentives program under Demand Side Management (DSM), managed by Efficiency Nova Scotia (ENS) and Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSP). Key entities include regulatory bodies, programs, and legislation relevant to energy efficiency and utility regulation in Nova Scotia.

Roles and Responsibilities My first questions are about your job, the programs your company works with through ENS, and the QA site visit services your company provides. - Q1. First, what is your job title? - Q2. Can you please verify the...

AI summary The document outlines a regulatory inquiry into QA inspection services provided by a company working with ENS. It asks about job roles, program-specific QA services (Home Energy Assessment, Home Warming, New Home Construction), geographic coverage, and collaboration with ENS personnel. Specific attention is given to Peck Home Inspections' coverage in Cape Breton.

QA Inspection Management - Q3. First, which of [insert organization name]'s programs receive QA inspections after energyefficiency upgrades are made? Please briefly describe each of those programs. [ Probe for information to determine whet...

AI summary The document outlines questions regarding QA inspection management for energy efficiency programs, including which programs undergo inspections, oversight structures, management roles, and evaluation of the current QA framework. Specific programs mentioned include Home Energy Assessment, Home Warming, and New Home Construction, with probes into ENS-related processes.

3. Home Energy Assessment Home Energy Assessment (HEA) provides financial incentives in the form of rebates or zero-interest financing to homeowners to reduce consumption of energy. HEA is focused on shell insulation measures, better elect...

AI summary The Home Energy Assessment (HEA) program offers rebates and financing for energy efficiency upgrades, focusing on insulation, heating systems, and water heating. Evaluations use HOT2000 simulations and 'test-in/test-out' audits, with adjustments via an overestimation ratio. The 2018 evaluation included billing analysis and corrections for simulation discrepancies. Econoler recommends improved evaluation methods and auditor training.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL incentives cannot be directly compared in all cases so caution should be taken in making direct comparisons between the two sets of data. c) Energy and demand savings are subject to annual evaluations, which frequently res...

AI summary EfficiencyOne notes that energy and demand savings evaluations are subject to annual changes due to methodological updates and routine variables, such as a 2016 interactive effects methodology for lighting and annual billing analysis adjustments. These changes are documented in evaluation reports but not consolidated, requiring reference to past filings for detailed rationale.

Bundling, cross-promotion Some measures can provide access to customers which may then lead to more in-depth and comprehensive projects, e.g., a customer may participate in Instant Savings and purchase a programmable thermostat, which may...

AI summary The text discusses how bundling energy efficiency measures, such as Instant Savings and Home Energy Assessment, can lead to more comprehensive customer projects. Diverse measure options allow customers to bundle them based on needs, increasing overall project savings.

3.1 Measure Selection and Inclusion Measures for inclusion in the ENSC TRM and EERAM potential model were chosen by ENSC and provided in a list to Navigant, with the measures broken down by program. In some cases measures originally reques...

AI summary ENSC selected measures for inclusion in the TRM and EERAM model, with Navigant characterizing them. Exclusions occurred due to insufficient technology development, low savings, or alternative handling (e.g., codes/standards). Prescriptive measures were included in specific ENSC residential and BNI programs.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL tests will measure the impacts of customized recommendations on customer engagement and program enrollment. EfficiencyOne is also anticipating the receipt of interval data for large industrial customers in 2019, which will...

AI summary EfficiencyOne plans to use interval data for industrial customers to improve energy efficiency analysis and reduce Home Energy Assessment program costs. The Locational-DSM pilot faces delays due to NS Power's delayed distribution data. Research aims to reduce on-site audits and enhance evaluation methods using usage data.

4.2.1 Overview - The Existing Residential program provides residential customers with access to technical and financial assistance to identify, assess and implement energy efficiency and system-peak demand reduction upgrades. The Existing...

AI summary The Existing Residential program offers energy efficiency and demand reduction upgrades through five components: Affordable Multi-Family Housing, Efficient Product Installation, Mi'kmaw Home Energy Efficiency, Green Heat, and Home Energy Assessment. These initiatives target low-income renters, homeowners, and Mi'kmaw communities, providing technical support, financial incentives, and no-cost upgrades like insulation, heating equipment, and home assessments.

Additional Support Increased financial support will be provided for heat pump water heaters and DWHR in both the Green Heat and Home Energy Assessment program components. Additional engagement with plumbers and plumbing contractors will be...

AI summary Increased financial support for heat pump water heaters and DWHR in Green Heat and Home Energy Assessment programs, with engagement of plumbers and contractors. Reference to Natural Resources Canada's 2016 energy data.

Mid-stream [12](#page-47-0) Delivery Approach for Cold Climate Ductless Heat Pumps Currently, incentives for ductless heat pumps are delivered through a downstream mail- in rebate via Green Heat or as part of whole home upgrades in Home En...

AI summary Transitioning from mail-in rebates to instant rebates for ductless heat pumps aims to increase participation by reducing administrative burdens and upfront costs. EfficiencyOne will collaborate with distributors to promote the program.

Deeper Energy Savings Support for Home Energy Assessment Participants Home upgrades such as increasing insulation and, energy efficient space and water heating systems are an important part of the residential sector portfolio. Achieving de...

AI summary The Home Energy Assessment program aims to increase participation through upgrades like insulation and efficient heating systems. With 17% market penetration by 2018, two enhancements are proposed to achieve deeper, long-lasting energy savings in residential sectors.

Project Management Support Existing Residential will begin offering project management support to participants who wish to complete significant home upgrades in Home Energy Assessment. This project management support will build on assistan...

AI summary Existing Residential will expand project management support in Home Energy Assessment, offering detailed report guidance, facilitating participation, connecting homeowners with Efficiency Trade Network (ETN) contractors, and aiding enrollment in Efficiency Nova Scotia (ENS) programs to enhance home upgrade initiatives.

Demand Response Measures Demand response initiatives will be introduced as part of the broader DSM portfolio in the DSM Resource Plan. EfficiencyOne and NS Power will be working closely on the development, assessment and evaluation of dema...

AI summary Demand response initiatives are being introduced as part of Nova Scotia's DSM portfolio, with EfficiencyOne and NS Power collaborating on development and evaluation. These initiatives build on a 2019 demand reduction pilot and include ETS units and electric storage hot water heater timers within Green Heat and Home Energy Assessment programs.

Program History The Existing Residential program has been operating in various forms since Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation became Nova Scotia's DSM Administrator. The oldest component, Home Energy Assessment, was inherited from Conserve...

AI summary The Existing Residential program, managed by Efficiency Nova Scotia, has evolved since the early 2000s, incorporating components like Home Energy Assessment (inherited from Conserve Nova Scotia and NS Power) and pilot initiatives such as Green Heat and Mi'kmaw Home Energy Efficiency. Federal and provincial governments have historically supported DSM incentives, with a 2012 rebranding of the Home Energy Assessment program.

5.1.4 Opportunity

AI summary Section 5.1.4 discusses the 'Opportunity' within a regulatory proceeding, though no detailed content is provided in the text. Key acronyms related to energy management, utility regulation, and efficiency programs are listed.

5.2.2 Enhancements in 2020-2022

AI summary Section 5.2.2 outlines regulatory enhancements in Nova Scotia from 2020-2022, focusing on demand-side management, cost allocation methodologies, and efficiency programs. Key entities include the NSUARB, ENS, and DSMAG, with acronyms related to utility regulation and energy efficiency initiatives.

5.3.6 Implementation Strategy

AI summary The section outlines the implementation strategy for demand-side management and resource cost tests, involving entities such as the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board and Efficiency Nova Scotia. Key topics include strategic energy management and cost allocation methodologies.

4.1.5 Program Design

AI summary The section outlines Program Design considerations under Nova Scotia's regulatory framework, referencing key acronyms and entities involved in energy management and utility regulation. It highlights the role of organizations like NSUARB and ENS in shaping demand-side management initiatives.

being introduced. Rebates will be offered on products such as heat pumps, biomass space heating equipment, solar thermal products for space and water heating, and electric thermal storage (ETS) units. Home Energy Assessment was developed s...

AI summary The text outlines energy efficiency initiatives, including rebates for heat pumps, solar thermal products, and electric thermal storage (ETS) units. It highlights the Home Energy Assessment (HEA) program, which provides homeowners with tailored recommendations and financial incentives to implement energy-saving retrofits, supported by NRCan Registered Energy Advisors.

Mid-stream[13](#page-145-0) Delivery Approach for Cold Climate Ductless Heat Pumps Currently, incentives for ductless heat pumps are delivered through a downstream mail- in rebate via Green Heat or as part of whole home upgrades in Home En...

AI summary The document proposes transitioning from downstream mail-in rebates to mid-stream delivery for ductless heat pumps via instant rebates, aiming to increase participation by reducing administrative burdens, improving understanding, and lowering upfront costs. EfficiencyOne will collaborate with distributors to promote the program.

Demand Reduction Response Measures Demand reduction response initiatives are beingwill be introduced as part of the broader DSM portfolio in the Preferred PlanDSM Resource Plan. EfficiencyOne and NS Power will be working closely on the dev...

AI summary Demand reduction initiatives are part of Nova Scotia's DSM portfolio, with EfficiencyOne and NS Power collaborating on development and evaluation. These efforts expand on a 2019 pilot, incorporating ETS units and electric storage hot water heater timers into Green Heat and Home Energy Assessment programs.

Program Delivery - The Existing Residential Program leverages a variety of delivery approaches to help customers implement energy efficiency improvements in their home. These strategies include: - turn-key direct installation service; - af...

AI summary The document outlines various energy efficiency programs in Nova Scotia, detailing delivery methods such as direct installation, rebates, and partnerships with auditors and contractors. Programs include residential, multi-family, and First Nations initiatives, emphasizing collaboration with organizations like EfficiencyOne and NRCan licensed Service Organizations. Rebate approaches vary, including mail-in and mid-stream options, with a focus on quality assurance and customer engagement.

7 Efficient Product Rebates: Program Description 8

AI summary The document outlines the Efficient Product Rebates program under Demand Side Management (DSM) in Nova Scotia, managed by Efficiency Nova Scotia (ENS). It details cost allocation methodologies (CAM), evaluation processes (EVA), and reporting (RF) frameworks. Key stakeholders include the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB) and the Efficiency Trade Network (ETN).

5.1.6 Implementation Strategy

AI summary The section outlines the implementation strategy for demand-side management programs, involving the NSUARB and other regulatory bodies, with references to various acronyms related to energy efficiency and cost allocation methodologies.

5.2 Custom Incentives: Program Description

AI summary Section 5.2 outlines the description of Custom Incentives within a regulatory proceeding, likely detailing program structures, eligibility criteria, or implementation frameworks. Key entities and acronyms related to energy management and regulatory oversight are referenced.

5.2.2 Enhancements in 2020-2022

AI summary The section outlines enhancements implemented between 2020 and 2022, though specific details are not provided in the text. Key acronyms related to energy management, regulatory bodies, and programs are listed for reference.

5.2.6 Implementation Strategy

AI summary The section outlines the implementation strategy for Demand Side Management (DSM) programs, referencing regulatory bodies like NSUARB and efficiency initiatives such as ENS. Key acronyms related to cost allocation, evaluation, and regulatory processes are listed.

5.3.5 Program Design

AI summary The section discusses Program Design within the Nova Scotia regulatory proceeding, referencing key acronyms and entities involved in energy management and utility regulation. It highlights DSM, TRC, and other related terms, emphasizing cost allocation and evaluation methodologies.

10 11 12

AI summary This section of the Nova Scotia regulatory proceeding outlines key entities, programs, and acronyms related to energy management and utility regulation. It references organizations like NSUARB, programs such as DSM, and methodologies like CAM and WACC, highlighting their roles in efficiency initiatives and cost allocation.

3 4.2.1 Overview - 4 The Existing Residential program provides residential customers with access to 5 technical and financial assistance to identify, assess and implement energy effLCiency 6 and system-peak demand reduction upgrades. The E...

AI summary The Existing Residential program in Nova Scotia offers residential customers energy efficiency and demand reduction upgrades through five components: Affordable Multi-Family Housing, Efficient Product Installation, Mi'kmaw Home Energy Efficiency, Green Heat, and Home Energy Assessment. Each component targets specific groups, provides technical/financial support, and includes incentives for energy-saving measures.

7 Additional Support 8 Increased financial support will be provided to encom·age Home Energy Assessment 9 participants to implement deeper energy savings pmjects. Coupled with program J 0 management suppoti, it is anticipated that more Hom...

AI summary Increased financial support for Home Energy Assessment participants aims to encourage deeper energy savings and efficiency upgrades, with the goal of moving homes toward net-zero energy use.

Factors of overestimation – Inherent in the operating environment Challenges that are present with the estimation of participation. We appreciate that it is challenging to estimate customer uptake of measures within program components. Pre...

AI summary The document highlights challenges in estimating customer participation in energy efficiency programs, leading to overestimation. For RDI and Rental Properties and Condos, customers favored lighting measures over other options, resulting in lower energy savings but reduced costs. HEA faced lower participation due to provincial funding cuts and capacity issues, impacting program outcomes.

Factors of overestimation – Result of management decision Precision and accuracy of customer participation estimates . There were significant differences between the planned and actual customer participation rates in 2016-2018. There were...

AI summary The document highlights overestimation of customer participation in EfficiencyOne's DSM programs (2016-2018), leading to underspends due to unmet participation targets. It criticizes the lack of traceable rationale for participation estimates and the reliance on high-level historical data for Continuation Plans, which may increase overestimation risks. EfficiencyOne is urged to improve estimate accuracy and documentation for future planning.

Implementation of DSM Resource Plans Within the Plan Application that is filed with the NSUARB, EfficiencyOne also includes language regarding the implementation of the Plan. The Plan is described in these filings not as an implementation...

AI summary EfficiencyOne's DSM Resource Plan is a planning tool, not an implementation plan, allowing adjustments based on market changes and evaluations. The NSUARB approves performance targets and funding, requiring advance notice for significant changes. Quarterly reports track progress and mid-course adjustments within approved energy savings and investment levels.

4 NSUARB Question 2 Question 2 posed by the NSUARB was, what are the factors that led to a historic overestimation? We have structured our response to the question in this section as follows: - 1. Approach to responding to NSUARB Question...

AI summary NSUARB Question 2 asked about factors leading to historic overestimation. The response outlines an approach, identifies factors for 2015 and 2016-2018, and includes variance analysis of cost/energy savings. The analysis covers the Plan period from 2015 to 2020-2022.

Factors of overestimation – Inherent in the operating environment Challenges that are present with the estimation of participation. We appreciate that it is challenging to estimate customer uptake of measures within program components. Pre...

AI summary The text discusses overestimation in Nova Scotia's Demand Side Management (DSM) programs, particularly in Residential Direct Install (RDI) and Home Energy Assessment (HEA). Customer preferences for lighting measures led to lower energy savings and costs in RDI and Rental Properties programs. HEA faced lower participation due to provincial funding cuts and capacity issues. EfficiencyOne's planning assumptions and external factors like funding changes impacted program outcomes.

4.3.2.3 2016-2018 incentive cost and energy savings variance analysis We used the following reports to prepare the 2016-2018 incentive cost and energy savings variance analysis at the program component level: April 21, 2020

AI summary The 2016-2018 incentive cost and energy savings variance analysis was prepared using program-level reports. The analysis focuses on cost and savings variances but does not provide specific findings due to reliance on referenced reports and a lack of detailed data in the text.

Home Energy Assessment During 2016-2018, the Home Energy Assessment program underspent by $3.48 million. This variance is due primarily to low customer participation. EfficiencyOne expected to complete 7,706 assessments during 2016-2018. A...

AI summary The Home Energy Assessment (HEA) program underspent $3.48M between 2016-2018 due to low customer participation. EfficiencyOne completed only 2,615 assessments (vs. 7,706 planned), with participation dropping after 2015 provincial funding ended. Reintroduced 2018 funding caused capacity issues despite increased demand.

Home Energy Assessments Over a three-year period, the Home Energy Assessment program failed to meet targeted energy savings by 14.83 GWh, falling below expectations each year. Lower-than-expected customer participation was the key reason f...

AI summary The Home Energy Assessment program (HEA) under EfficiencyOne failed to meet energy savings targets by 14.83 GWh over three years due to lower-than-expected customer participation, resulting in only 2,615 assessments completed instead of the expected 7,706.

EfficiencyOne Performance Alignment Study April 21, 2020 EfficiencyOne. EfficiencyOne estimates a measure mix when developing a Plan. Actual measure mix is a result of customer behaviour and choice. Uptake by customers impacts the costs, e...

AI summary EfficiencyOne's Performance Alignment Study highlights that customer uptake affects measure mix, costs, and energy savings. Incentive costs may vary from initial plans due to market changes, industry competition, and new delivery methods. EfficiencyOne emphasizes ongoing marketing efforts to manage market response.

2013 Results The analysis of 2013 results is based primarily on a review of the 2015 DSM Resource Plan Application submitted to the NSUARB. The following table outlines a summary of the results against the Plan as filed for 2013. We noted...

AI summary The 2013 results analysis focuses on the 2015 DSM Resource Plan Application to NSUARB, noting no change in investment levels post-mid-course adjustment. Key data is summarized in a table referencing the 2013-2015 DSM Plan revised on April 18, 2012.

2014 Results amount is outlined in the table below, as well as the overall variance against the funding available for DSM activities: 25 2015 DSM Resource Plan Evidences and Appendices A-D

AI summary The 2014 results detail the allocation of funds for Demand Side Management (DSM) activities, including variances against available funding. A reference is made to the 2015 DSM Resource Plan and its appendices, though specific figures are deferred to a table and image not included in the text.

2020-2022 incentive costs and customer participation – model input approach by EfficiencyOne The total incentive costs included in the Plan investment are the result of the incentive cost and the customer participation rates by measure. Pe...

AI summary EfficiencyOne outlines its approach to calculating 2020-2022 incentive costs and customer participation rates for Nova Scotia's DSM Resource Plan, using historical data and the Incentive Setting Process (ISP) mandated by the NSUARB. Adjustments were made via staff reviews and third-party consultations, with iterative model updates to refine participation rates and ensure alignment with cost thresholds.

2020-2022 Enabling Strategies – approach by EfficiencyOne Similar to the 2016-2018 and 2019 DSM Resource Plans, EfficiencyOne identified that the Enabling Strategies investment for the 2020-2022 DSM Resource Plan was informed by historical...

AI summary EfficiencyOne's 2020-2022 Enabling Strategies investment relied on historical spending rather than modeling. Increased investment linked to new initiatives like pilot programs, technology research, and demand response. Higher 2021-2022 costs are projected due to preparations for the 2023-2025 DSM Resource Plan.