E-1Evidence - 2012 DSM Plan 2/28/2011
19 passages
1 Continuing with this collaborative approach, ENSC will meet regularly with trade 2 associations, environmental groups, businesses and community groups, to foster open 3 productive working relationships with Nova Scotians. 4 5 Based on th...
AI summary ENSC is committed to collaboration with various stakeholders and believes the 2012 DSM Plan's savings targets and investment are achievable. The plan aligns with the 2007 and 2009 IRP targets. Reporting will be expanded to include cumulative savings and savings from non-customer-funded programs.
1 4. 2012 DSM IRP TARGETS 2 ENSC's primary objective is to "design and administer electricity demand-side management programs with a view to restraining future electricity demand and use in the Province". 11 5 Electricity DSM Plans in Nova...
AI summary ENSC's main goal is to design and administer electricity demand-side management programs to reduce future electricity demand in Nova Scotia. These programs are aligned with the 2009 IRP Update's electricity savings and program cost targets.
9 Previous DSM Plans have focused on achieving annual incremental savings. With this 10 filing, ENSC is reporting cumulative energy and demand savings in addition to annual 11 incremental savings. This is consistent with the 2009 IRP Updat...
AI summary This text discusses the shift in focus of previous DSM Plans from annual incremental savings to cumulative energy and demand savings, aligning with the 2009 IRP Update. It references a figure that compares cumulative savings targets with actual and expected results from 2008 to 2012.
5. 2012 DSM PLAN SAVINGS AND INVESTMENT The savings and associated investment to meet the 2012 annual and cumulative IRP targets are presented in Figure 5.1. For 2012, ENSC forecasts annual energy and demand savings of 233.6 GWh and 44.0 M...
AI summary The 2012 DSM Plan forecasts energy savings of 233.6 GWh and demand savings of 44.0 MW annually, exceeding IRP targets while keeping investment at $43.7 million—below the IRP's $61 million program cost. Cumulative savings also surpass IRP goals. ENSC plans to refine programs in 2011-2012 with stakeholder input.
& lt;sup>e Historical savings resulting from the introduction of a residential new construction code in 2010 and a proposed federal standard for general-service lamps starting in 2012 1 5.1 Reporting Savings Outside ENSC Programs Previous...
AI summary The 2009 IRP Update assumes energy savings from sources beyond customer-funded DSM programs will contribute to targets. ENSC is now recording incremental energy and demand from two external sources.
5.1.1 Extra-Large Industrial Projects ELI customers completed efficiency projects in 2009 and 2010. The resulting energy and demand savings contribute to the IRP targets and are reported in this filing because they are incremental to custo...
AI summary ELI customers' 2009-2010 efficiency projects contributed 80 GWh and 12 MW savings, incremental to DSM programs and not included in the 2009 IRP Update. These estimates, based on third-party analysis, will be evaluated in 2011 with variances reported in the 2013 DSM Plan. The 2009 IRP Update noted DSM inclusion encompasses broader conservation efforts beyond customer-funded programs.
5.1.2 Adoption of Energy-Efficiency Codes and Standards The adoption of energy-efficiency codes and standards is essential to meet overall targeted energy savings in the long term. Incentive-based DSM programs can be effective for building...
AI summary The adoption of energy-efficiency codes and standards is crucial for long-term energy savings, complementing incentive-based DSM programs. ENSC supports government efforts to implement these codes, which are incremental to the 2009 IRP Update. Additional savings come from LEED and BOMA certifications.
6.1 Overall Purpose of DSM Efforts The overall purpose of electricity DSM programs in Nova Scotia is to help meet the province's long-term electricity needs through conservation and energy efficiency as a lower cost alternative to supply....
AI summary The overall purpose of electricity DSM programs in Nova Scotia is to meet the province's long-term electricity needs through conservation and energy efficiency, which is a lower-cost alternative to supply. DSM spending aims to meet the overall DSM savings set out in the IRP, which identifies DSM as the lowest-cost option to meet future electricity needs while respecting emissions targets and renewable energy requirements.
6.2 Guiding Principles In preparing the 2012 DSM Plan, ENSC observed the following guiding principles: · Meet IRP Targets: ENSC's primary goal is to meet IRP targets as a whole, both in the short term (measured by incremental annual energy...
AI summary ENSC's 2012 DSM Plan is guided by the principle of meeting IRP targets, both in the short term through incremental annual energy and demand savings and in the long term through cumulative savings.
1.1 2012 DSM Budget and Savings Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation (ENSC) consulted stakeholders and worked with Navigant Consulting Inc. and Dunsky Energy Consulting in designing the 2012 DSM Plan. The proposed plan is a comprehensive por...
AI summary Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation (ENSC) designed the 2012 DSM Plan with stakeholder input and consulting firms. The plan includes residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional programs aimed at meeting energy and demand savings targets from the 2009 Integrated Resource Plan. ENSC plans to invest $43.7 million in 2012, targeting 233.6 GWh and 44.0 MW of savings.
- 2. TOTAL RESOURCE COST (TRC) TEST SCREENING REQUIREMENTS: The TRC test is a standard benefitcost testing methodology commonly used for screening DSM programs in North America. However, despite its inherent strengths, the TRC is increasin...
AI summary The document discusses the Total Resource Cost (TRC) test, its application in Nova Scotia, and the need for harmonizing electric and non-electric energy conservation initiatives. It also highlights the importance of clarifying ENSC's targets and costs, referencing the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and the challenges associated with meeting ambitious electricity savings goals.
TOTAL RESOURCE COST (TRC) SCREENING REQUIREMENTS Current electricity DSM targets were derived from Nova Scotia Power's Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) process. Through this process, a level of incremental annual energy savings, roughly...
AI summary The Total Resource Cost (TRC) screening requirements in Nova Scotia's Demand Side Management (DSM) plan are based on the Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) process. The TRC approach compares the full cost of energy efficiency to the equivalent long-run cost of offset supply, ensuring that only cost-effective measures are promoted. However, the requirement that the TRC must be greater than 1 raises concerns about undue constraints and unintended consequences.
OVERVIEW Nova Scotia has adopted a set of ambitious electricity savings goals, equivalent to – and in some ways more aggressive than – the targets of leading North American jurisdictions. These goals are derived from an overall, long-term...
AI summary Nova Scotia has set ambitious electricity savings goals, outlined in NSPI's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). The document highlights three key issues: the need to clarify the distinction between overall DSM targets and ENSC's voluntary programs, potential overambition in short-term DSM targets, and the likely higher average unit cost for ENSC's voluntary programs. The recommendations aim to adjust short-term targets while maintaining long-term planning.
ISSUE B: CONSIDER A SOMEWHAT LONGER RAMP-UP Nova Scotia is to be lauded for setting itself ambitious electric DSM goals. However, a review of these targets raises concerns that interim targets for the 2011-2013 timeframe may be overly ambi...
AI summary Nova Scotia's electric DSM goals are ambitious, but concerns are raised about the 2011-2013 interim targets being too aggressive compared to other North American jurisdictions. A table compares Nova Scotia's 2013 DSM targets with those of California and leading northeast U.S. states using the percent of demand metric, highlighting the province's most ambitious annual target in its IRP forecast.
4 N.S. Alternative Ramp-Up Schedule (illustrated) 14 Although one North American jurisdiction (Vermont) has achieved more than 2.5% of total demand via voluntary DSM programs, it is important to note that residential lighting savings contr...
AI summary The document discusses the challenges in replicating Vermont's DSM success due to changes in CFL market penetration and Canadian standards. It also highlights the discrepancy between IRP and ENSC savings targets, noting the need for clarity in defining these targets and the potential impact of short-term changes on NSPI's ability to meet carbon and renewable content requirements.
ISSUE C: BUDGETS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT FOR VOLUNTARY PROGRAMS COMPONENT The budgets set out in the 2009 IRP for DSM programs hover around $0.27-$0.28 per first-year kWh (expressed in constant dollars through 2020). Compared to the historical...
AI summary The 2009 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) sets DSM program budgets at around $0.27-$0.28 per first-year kWh, which are considered reasonable compared to historical data. However, future costs may rise due to reduced savings from efficient lighting and more ambitious targets requiring higher-cost savings opportunities.
RECOMMENDATIONS - Depending on the outcome of the previous issues, consider a somewhat longer initial ramp-up (1-2 years), coupled with deeper savings in the medium and longer terms, such as to avoid a material impact on the IRP's identifi...
AI summary The recommendations suggest a longer initial ramp-up period for DSM programs and deeper savings in the medium and long terms to avoid impacting the IRP's long-run DSM value. They also propose reconsidering the projected unit cost of savings from voluntary programs and adjusting the 2011-13 budgets accordingly.
CHANGES TO THE 2012 DSM PLANNING FRAMEWORK In the short-term, ENSC should consider petitioning the UARB, within the framework of the 2012 plan, to: - Remove the measure-level TRC screening: Removing this requirement for the 2012 Plan would...
AI summary The document suggests changes to the 2012 DSM planning framework, including removing measure-level TRC screening and clarifying overall savings targets. These changes aim to provide ENSC with more flexibility and better alignment with the IRP 2012 savings target, while also considering the contributions of nonprogram activities.
2a Contextual Issues: Building on Previous Efforts " The program is streamlined to appeal to busy administrators and teachers who know the value of student involvement ... It is designed for success, encouraging participants to prioritize...
AI summary The document discusses the development of the Green Schools Nova Scotia (GSNS) program, which builds on previous initiatives like Energy Matters and Towards a Brighter Future. GSNS aims to integrate environmental education, student engagement, and sustainability practices in schools, with a focus on long-term viability and curriculum alignment. It also highlights the role of the Halifax Regional School Board in infrastructure retrofits and energy efficiency initiatives.
E-6ENSC (EAC) IR-1 to IR-43 (Revised April 6, 2011) 3/29/2011
10 passages
Date Filed: March 29, 2011 ENSC EAC IR-4 Page 2 of 2 1 Request IR-5: 2 3 Please provide detailed reasons about how and why ENSC has chosen to pursue a different 4 level of investment in the ENSC 2012 DSM Plan versus what was identified as...
AI summary The document discusses ENSC's 2012 DSM Plan and its investment level compared to the 2007 IRP and 2009 IRP Update, noting a difference of 17.3 million. ENSC argues that the DSM Plan meets the electricity savings targets from the 2009 IRP Update and that the IRP budget is not prescriptive for program planning.
Request IR-7: - Please provide the IRP load forecast with respect to DSM and the estimates for economic - and achievable energy savings from the IRP. Response IR-7: Please refer to NPB IR-1. - The figure below provides estimates of achieva...
AI summary The response to Request IR-7 refers to NPB IR-1 and provides a figure estimating achievable DSM energy savings from the 2009 Integrated Resource Plan.
- IRP Update. The 2009 IRP Update did not include forecasts of DSM economic potential. TOTAL Incremental Achievable Potential Demand Savings (MW) Cumulative Demand Savings (MW) Incremental Achievable Potential Energy Savings (GWh) Cumulati...
AI summary The 2009 IRP Update omitted forecasts of DSM economic potential. A table shows demand and energy savings from 2008 to 2032. ENSC responded to a question about 2012 start-up costs, stating they do not anticipate any but expect learning costs.
5 AUTHOR BIOGRAPHIES Daniel Violette, Ph. D. Dr. Violette is a Principal with Summit Blue Consulting who has over 20 years of experience in the energy industry. He is a founder and former CEO of Summit Blue and also served as a Vice Presid...
AI summary This section provides biographies of five individuals involved in energy and regulatory proceedings. It outlines their professional backgrounds, areas of expertise, and contributions to energy efficiency, demand response, and resource planning. The individuals include experts in energy consulting, academic research, and industry practice.
- 3 2008 to 2012. 1 Request IR-18: 2 3 Should over achievement in a prior year reduce goals and investment in a current year. If 4 so, why? 5 6 Response IR-18: 7 8 Evaluated and verified over-achievement or, as the case may be, under-achie...
AI summary The text discusses requests and responses related to demand-side management (DSM) in Nova Scotia. It addresses whether over-achievement in prior years should affect current year goals, the importance of changes to DSM screening processes, and the potential for achieving more energy savings in residential and commercial sectors.
Market-driven measures - planned equipment replacement - new construction - renovation - expansion - equipment replacement on burn-out
AI summary The text outlines various market-driven measures including planned equipment replacement, new construction, renovation, expansion, and equipment replacement due to burn-out.
Introduction On May 7, 2009, NSPI issued the initial draft of 2009 IRP Update Basic Assumptions which had been developed by NSPI jointly with Board staff and consultants (the "Working Group"), to IRP participants. On May 14, 2009, NSPI fac...
AI summary In May 2009, NSPI issued an initial draft of the 2009 IRP Update Basic Assumptions, developed with the Working Group. A Technical Conference was held, followed by written comments from various participants. NSPI and the Working Group reviewed the comments and made changes to the assumptions for the IRP update.
Context for Responses To provide context for some of the responses below, it may be helpful to provide additional insight into how the model works. Strategist is a long term generation planning tool and as such uses load duration curves an...
AI summary The document explains that the Strategist model is used for long-term generation planning and does not include detailed operational models for load following or hourly dispatch. The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) will not evaluate storage and load following economics in detail, but will use placeholders like the back-up adder for wind. CAES will be evaluated for CO2 mitigation and dispatchable resource capabilities.
23 Stakeholder NPB Topic Transmission Suggestions/Comments Provide more information about transmission costs. Response The Standards of Conduct restrict the level of detail that can be provided. Qualitatively, network upgrade capital costs...
AI summary Stakeholders requested more information on transmission costs, but the Standards of Conduct limited the level of detail provided. Transmission costs were qualitatively explained, including feasibility assessments and network upgrade assumptions. A second stakeholder suggested adjusting the Load Forecast Base Case between proposed low and base levels, but NSPI stated it does not plan to run a Lower Load World in the 2009 IRP Update.
Final Report. 1 Request IR-27: 2 3 Low-cost Programs: Program costs will be minimized, where doing so does not hinder meeting 4 overall IRP targets in both the short and long term. 5 6 Long-term success: In planning DSM initiatives, it is...
AI summary The document contains responses to requests regarding Energy Nova Scotia's (ENSC) 2012 DSM Plan, renewable heating strategy, and biomass sustainability benchmarks. ENSC emphasizes alignment with Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) targets, plans to develop a renewable heating strategy, and intends to use certified wood pellets for biomass projects with sustainability considerations.
E-13Evidence of Tim Woolf, Synapse Energy Economics Inc., Board Consultant 4/8/2011
13 passages
- Q. Please state your name, title and employer. - A. My name is Tim Woolf. I am a Vice-President at Synapse Energy Economics, - located at 485 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139. - Q. Please describe Synapse Energy Economics. - A....
AI summary Tim Woolf, a Vice-President at Synapse Energy Economics, testifies on behalf of the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board. He has extensive experience in energy efficiency policies and programs, including work with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities and consulting for various jurisdictions. He was involved in reviewing the 2007 Integrated Resource Plan in Nova Scotia.
3. RAMP UP SCHEDULE OF EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS 1 2 Please summarize the general conclusions from the 2007 IRP and the 2009 0. 3 IRP with regard to the implementation of energy efficiency programs. 4 A. The 2007 IRP identified a large potential...
AI summary The 2007 and 2009 Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs) emphasized cost-effective energy efficiency through Demand Side Management (DSM), with the 2007 IRP recommending 5% of NSPI revenues for efficiency programs. The 2009 IRP maintained DSM targets, aiming for 2% annual electricity use reduction. Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) exceeded 2008-2009 savings targets and met 2010 goals, demonstrating success in early DSM implementation.
1 Q. Does the 2012 DSM Plan budget deviate from the program cost that was 2 proposed in the 2009 IRP? 3 A. Yes. The 2009 IRP included a program cost of $61 million for 2012, but the 2012 4 DSM Plan includes a budget of $43.7 million. ENSC...
AI summary The 2012 DSM Plan budget of $43.7 million deviates from the 2009 IRP's proposed $61 million. ENSC argues that lower funding can still meet energy savings targets by leveraging additional energy savings sources.
11 Table 1. Energy Savings from the 2012 DSM Plan and Other Sources Source of Efficiency Savings Incremental Annual Energy Savings (GWh) ENSC 2012 Residential DSM Programs 50.1 ENSC 2012 Commercial/Industrial DSM Programs 74.1 ENSC 2012 Pr...
AI summary Table 1 presents energy savings achieved through the 2012 DSM Plan and other sources, including contributions from ENSC programs, overachievements from previous DSM initiatives, industrial projects, and code adoption, totaling 233.6 GWh, exceeding the 2009 IRP savings target of 205 GWh.
6 Figure 5.1 of ENSC Evidence, page 14. 1 The energy savings from the ENSC energy efficiency programs combined with 2 these three additional sources of efficiency savings results in a total of roughly 3 234 GWh of energy savings in 2012. T...
AI summary ENSC's 2012 DSM Plan includes energy savings from sources outside customer-funded programs, such as ELI and codes, to align with the 2009 IRP targets. This approach allows for a proper comparison between the 2012 DSM Plan and the 2009 IRP, achieving the same energy savings goals with a lower budget.
& lt;sup>9 2009 IRP Report, Appendix D, Attachment 1, page 50. 1 efficiency savings – explicitly identified and broken out from the savings from the 2 ENSC initiatives – provides the Board and other stakeholders a more complete 3 picture o...
AI summary The testimony discusses the need for the Board to ensure that future DSM plans meet the savings targets outlined in the 2009 IRP, particularly as targets increase in 2013. It also emphasizes the importance of evaluating efficiency savings from outside sources such as ELI projects and codes and standards, and explicitly documenting these in future plans.
I recommend that ENSC conduct a thorough assessment of the potential for all cost-effective energy efficiency opportunities, for the next DSM Plan. The 2009 IRP included energy efficiency assumptions that were taken almost entirely from th...
AI summary The text recommends that ENSC conduct a thorough assessment of energy efficiency opportunities for the next DSM Plan, noting that assumptions from previous IRPs may be outdated. It also suggests including three-year projections of energy efficiency savings and addressing any deviations from energy savings targets due to rate impacts.
1 that the full, long-term impact on rates and bills be assessed in a comprehensive 2 way. 3 Third, there are several other considerations that should be kept in mind when 4 evaluating rate impacts of energy efficiency programs. In particu...
AI summary The text emphasizes the need for comprehensive assessment of the long-term impact of energy efficiency programs on rates and bills. It highlights the importance of addressing equity issues between participants and non-participants and outlines principles for quantifying these impacts, including considering long-term effects and all associated costs and benefits.
Q. Has ENSC or NSPI conducted any analyses to quantify the rate impacts associated with the 2012 DSM Plan? - A. Not to my knowledge. As noted above, I believe that this issue has not yet risen to that level. - I note that the 2009 IRP incl...
AI summary The respondent indicates that ENSC or NSPI has not conducted analyses to quantify the rate impacts of the 2012 DSM Plan. While the 2009 IRP included some information on rate impacts, it was not designed to answer the specific question about energy efficiency programs and did not consider bill impacts.
Q. Does this conclude your pre-filed testimony? A. Yes, it does. 2009 IRP, Appendix E, Attachment 1, page 75.
AI summary The witness confirms that their pre-filed testimony is concluded, and a reference is made to page 75 of Appendix E, Attachment 1 of the 2009 Integrated Resource Plan.
ic Utilities Commission (5A-531EG). Direct testimony on impact of proposed merger on DSM, renewable resources and low-income DSM. On behalf of the Colorado Office of Energy Conservation. April 1996. Colorado Public Utilities Commission (3I...
AI summary The text contains multiple testimonies provided by the Colorado Office of Energy Conservation to various Colorado Public Utilities Commissions regarding topics such as the impact of mergers on DSM and renewable resources, the effects of increased competition on DSM, integrated resource planning rules, and the evaluation of DSM programs and integrated resource plans.
REPORTS Cape Light Compact Energy Efficiency Plan 2007-2012: Providing Comprehensive Energy Efficiency Services to Communities on Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard , prepared for the Cape Light Compact, February 2007. Comments on the Potentia...
AI summary The text lists various energy efficiency and electricity resource planning reports prepared for different jurisdictions and organizations, including Cape Light Compact, North Carolina Utilities Commission, and others. These reports cover topics such as energy efficiency programs, integrated resource planning, and the impacts of renewable energy policies.
ARTICLES AND PRESENTATIONS Managing Electricity Industry Risk with Clean and Efficient Resources , The Electricity Journal , with John Nielson, David Berry and Ronald Lehr, Volume 18, Issue 2, March 2005. Local Policy Measures to Improve A...
AI summary The text lists various articles and presentations related to energy efficiency, renewable resources, electricity market restructuring, and environmental policies. Topics include integrated resource planning, renewable portfolio standards, performance-based ratemaking, and electricity pricing. These materials span from 1992 to 2005 and cover international and regional perspectives on energy and utility regulation.
07314Board Decision 6/30/2011
7 passages
- [1] What initiatives should be taken to encourage electricity consumers in Nova Scotia to conserve and efficiently use electrical energy? How should such initiatives be paid for? Who should pay for them? How should the savings be measure...
AI summary The document discusses the importance of demand side management (DSM) in Nova Scotia, emphasizing its role in reducing electricity consumption, delaying infrastructure costs, and supporting environmental goals. It raises questions about funding, who should pay, and how savings should be measured.
4.2 Level of Spending [51 ] In section 6.2 of its evidence, ENSC identified the guiding principles observed in preparing the 2012 DSM Plan. The first two state: Meet IRP Targets: ENSC's primary goal is to meet IRP targets as a whole, both...
AI summary The document discusses ENSC's approach to meeting IRP targets through demand-side management programs, emphasizing the need to minimize program costs while achieving both short-term and long-term energy and demand savings goals.
Figure 4.1 DSM Targets 2008-2015 (from 2009 IRP Update)12 Year Incremental Demand Savings (MW) Cumulative Demand Savings (MW) Incremental Energy Savings (GWh) Cumulative Energy Savings (GWh) Incremental Program Cost (S millions) Cumulative...
AI summary Figure 4.1 provides a summary of DSM targets and results from 2008 to 2015, as outlined in the 2009 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) Update. It shows incremental and cumulative demand and energy savings, along with program costs. The table indicates that actual results often exceeded the IRP targets, particularly in energy and demand savings.
[65] In its Closing Submission of May 13, 2011, ENSC stated: With respect to the proposed budget for the 2012 DSM Plan of $43.7M - a modest increase over the 2011 DSM Plan budget of $41.9M - ENSC submits that there is insufficient evidence...
AI summary ENSC argues against increasing the 2012 DSM Plan budget to $53.4M or $58M, stating the existing plan already exceeds 2009 IRP energy savings targets. It contends there is insufficient evidence to justify higher expenditures, citing concerns about front-loading savings, viewing IRP targets as a 'floor', and potential regressive impacts on contractors and future program scaling.
4.2.1 Findings - [71] The Board understands that the targets for energy and demand savings are considered to be aggressive when compared to other jurisdictions; however, these targets and associated investments were established early in th...
AI summary The Board acknowledges the aggressive DSM targets set in the IRP and notes that NSPI met them successfully. ENSC, as the new administrator, faces challenges in meeting these targets. The Board approves the 2012 DSM investment of $43.7 million, allowing ENSC flexibility and including savings from non-program initiatives.
5.1.1 Extra-Large Industrial Projects ELI customers completed efficiency projects in 2009 and 2010. The resulting energy and demand savings contribute to the IRP targets and are reported in this filing because they are incremental to custo...
AI summary ELI customers completed efficiency projects in 2009 and 2010, contributing to IRP targets. The estimated savings are 80 GWh and 12 MW, based on preliminary investigations by third-party specialists. These projects will be evaluated in 2011, and any variances will be reported in the 2013 DSM Plan filing.
[107] Mr. Foote, in his direct evidence, stated that: Any discussion of whether to include non-program standards and at what level should not distract the UARB and stakeholders from the main purpose of this process which is to ensure spend...
AI summary The discussion centers on the inclusion of non-program energy savings in ENSC's planning. EAC opposes including non-program savings due to uncertainty in DSM planning, while others, including Mr. Whalen and Mr. Woolf, support their inclusion as they align with the IRP and help meet environmental targets.
07013EAC Reply Submission 5/20/2011
4 passages
Reply Submission In the past, Nova Scotian stakeholders have agreed that DSM is the better ratepayer option to pursue, not only because it offered the least cost procurement option, when compared to supply options, but also because stakeho...
AI summary The document argues that Demand Side Management (DSM) is a cost-effective strategy for Nova Scotia's electricity system, emphasizing its role in reducing fuel and capacity costs. It highlights overachievement of Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) targets, urging increased DSM budgets to capitalize on efficiency opportunities. The Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation (ENSC) acknowledges potential for more savings with higher funding, while risks of inaction include lost momentum and public trust.
NPB EAC respectfully objects to the final submission made by NPB that the "Board should reject any recommendations that would require ENSC to further increase the proposed DSM spending levels as part of its 2012 DSM Plan". While the Board...
AI summary EAC objects to NPB's submission opposing increased DSM spending in the 2012 DSM Plan, arguing that DSM's rate impacts are negligible compared to NSPI's fuel costs and other factors. EAC advocates for aggressive DSM implementation as cost-effective and aligned with environmental goals, citing IRP and EGSPA support.
the absence of an appropriate framework to properly evaluate and develop equitable savings goals and targets for ENSC programs, the EAC is concerned that this sets a poor example for future DSM plans. ENSC has correctly identified and char...
AI summary EAC expresses concern that ENSC lacks a framework for equitable DSM savings goals, risking regressive outcomes. While agreeing with ENSC's emphasis on cost-effective measures, EAC argues ENSC may overlook long-term system cost minimization, prioritizing short-term rate impacts over Nova Scotia's least-cost procurement objectives under the IRP.
Conclusion Given the context of new global energy and climate realities, the unsustainable structure of the Nova Scotia electricity market and system and the work and the success that has been achieved to date with respect to DSM in Nova S...
AI summary The conclusion advocates maintaining and increasing DSM program savings targets to 2011 levels, citing equity, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits. It emphasizes aligning with the IRP compass for rate-payer protection and reducing coal-burning at NSPI. The Board is urged to support DSM as the optimal strategy for the Nova Scotian electricity system.
07314Board Decision 6/30/2011
11 passages
4.1 Proposed Plan [43] In its direct evidence, ENSC described the programs proposed for the 2012 DSM Plan: Programs for the proposed 2012 DSM Plan are separated into three categories: - Residential Programs, which include four components:...
AI summary ENSC outlined the proposed 2012 DSM Plan, which includes residential, commercial/industrial, and enabling strategy programs. The plan includes new components such as programs for renters, multi-unit buildings, and low-income households, as well as innovative financing and enhanced outreach strategies. ENSC also stated that the plan aligns with energy saving targets set in the 2007 and 2009 IRPs.
4.2 Level of Spending [51 ] In section 6.2 of its evidence, ENSC identified the guiding principles observed in preparing the 2012 DSM Plan. The first two state: Meet IRP Targets: ENSC's primary goal is to meet IRP targets as a whole, both...
AI summary ENSC outlines its guiding principles for the 2012 DSM Plan, emphasizing meeting IRP targets and minimizing program costs. Figures 4.1 and 4.2 illustrate DSM targets and cumulative savings results from 2008 to 2012.
Figure 4.1 DSM Targets 2008-2015 (from 2009 IRP Update)12 Year Incremental Demand Savings (MW) Cumulative Demand Savings (MW) Incremental Energy Savings (GWh) Cumulative Energy Savings (GWh) Incremental Program Cost (S millions) Cumulative...
AI summary Figure 4.1 shows DSM targets and achievements from 2008 to 2015, as outlined in the 2009 IRP Update. The table compares incremental and cumulative demand and energy savings, program costs, and IRP targets versus actual results, highlighting the performance of demand-side management programs during this period.
[54] By comparison, in its Application, ENSC proposes 2012 program costs of $43.7 million, with Figure 4.2 showing cumulative savings of 543 GWh and 100 MW, which translates into incremental savings of 233.6 GWh and 44 MW. These results in...
AI summary ENSC's 2012 program proposes costs of $43.7 million with projected savings of 543 GWh and 100 MW, but these figures include over-achievements from prior years and preliminary savings. Excluding these, the savings are significantly lower than the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) targets. Board Counsel Consultant Mr. Whalen expressed concerns that the 2012 plan would deliver lower energy and demand savings than in 2011 and be less cost-effective.
of the plans seem to have the same economics; TRC of about two, PAC of about three. The corporation has not said that 158.5 is not achievable, so I don't see a good reason for not going to the 158.5. MR. FOREMAN: In fairness the evidence t...
AI summary Mr. Whalen argues that maintaining the 2011 DSM savings level for 2012 aligns with the IRP's long-term goals and the feasibility of meeting 2011 targets. Board Counsel Tim Woolf supports this, noting that 2011 budgets were lower than actuals, suggesting scaling back may hinder progress toward 2013 goals. The discussion references TRC and PAC metrics.
[65] In its Closing Submission of May 13, 2011, ENSC stated: With respect to the proposed budget for the 2012 DSM Plan of $43.7M - a modest increase over the 2011 DSM Plan budget of $41.9M - ENSC submits that there is insufficient evidence...
AI summary ENSC opposes increasing the 2012 DSM Plan budget to $53.4M-$58M, arguing existing plans already exceed 2009 IRP targets. Three concerns are raised: uncertainty in future savings, viewing IRP targets as a 'floor', and regressive impacts of scaling back DSM. ENSC acknowledges some concerns but questions the Board on appropriate budget justification.
4.2.1 Findings - [71] The Board understands that the targets for energy and demand savings are considered to be aggressive when compared to other jurisdictions; however, these targets and associated investments were established early in th...
AI summary The Board acknowledges the aggressive DSM targets set in the IRP and notes NSPI's success in meeting them. ENSC, as the new administrator, finds the 2012 targets challenging but achievable. The Board supports including non-program funded savings to meet IRP targets and approves the 2012 DSM investment of $43.7 million.
5.4 Reporting of Energy and Demand Savings [103] The Application notes that the proposed target for the 2012 DSM Plan includes savings for ELI projects of 80 GWh in energy and 12 MW in demand. The proposed savings from the adoption of ener...
AI summary The Application outlines the 2012 DSM Plan's energy and demand savings targets, including 80 GWh and 12 MW from ELI projects and 10 GWh and 2.7 MW from energy efficiency codes. ENSC reports energy savings from ELI projects and code adoption, moving beyond customer-funded DSM programs.
5.1.1 Extra-Large Industrial Projects ELI customers completed efficiency projects in 2009 and 2010. The resulting energy and demand savings contribute to the IRP targets and are reported in this filing because they are incremental to custo...
AI summary ELI customers completed energy efficiency projects in 2009 and 2010, contributing to IRP targets. The estimated savings are 80 GWh and 12 MW, based on preliminary investigations. These projects will be evaluated in 2011, and any variances will be reported in the 2013 DSM Plan.
[107] Mr. Foote, in his direct evidence, stated that: Any discussion of whether to include non-program standards and at what level should not distract the UARB and stakeholders from the main purpose of this process which is to ensure spend...
AI summary Mr. Foote emphasized that non-program energy savings should not detract from ensuring ENSC's spending is justified and appropriate for future demand and environmental compliance. EAC opposes non-program savings due to uncertainty in DSM planning, while Mr. Whalen and Mr. Woolf support ENSC's estimates for energy savings.
[111] NPB in its Closing Submission stated that: None of the various consultants who filed testimony in this proceeding were opposed to the inclusion of energy efficiency savings from codes and standards and ELI projects, and the Board's v...
AI summary NPB argues that energy efficiency savings from codes, standards, and ELI projects should be included in DSM plans, supported by verification from Dr. Peach and other consultants. NPB requests the Board to confirm this approach in its decision for future clarity.