Topic:"Infrastructure Planning" in M12249

3.2 UPDATES TO AVOIDED COST CALCULATION In its decision approving the 2023-2025 DSM Plan, the NSUARB (as it then was) made note of the fact that updates to NS Power Integrated Resource Planning process will have an impact on the avoided co...

AI summary The NSUARB directed E1 to update avoided cost calculations for DSM plans using the latest IRP data, noting climate goals are not fully addressed in current IRP versions. E1 incorporated 2022 IRP results, embedding carbon costs into energy avoided costs for the 2026 DSM Extension. The DSMAG will address climate-related updates for future plans, while the More Access to Energy Act mandates IESO's IRP process.

4.3 PROGRAMS AND INVESTMENT FOR THE 2026 DSM EXTENSION - [Table 5,](#page-28-0) below, summarizes the programs and corresponding investment amounts for the 2026 DSM - Extension. DATE FILED: April 30, 2025 Page 22 of 25 13 14 15 16 17 18

AI summary Section 4.3 outlines programs and investment amounts for the 2026 DSM extension, referencing Table 5. The document is part of a regulatory proceeding involving Nova Scotia's utility sector, focusing on demand-side management initiatives and associated financial commitments.

5. ONGOING COMPLIANCE WITH BOARD DIRECTIVES As always, E1 remains committed to complying with all Board directives. - Several directives from the 2023-2025 DSM Plan Decision relate to, and contemplate, the next complete - DSM Plan filing (...

AI summary E1 commits to complying with Board directives from the 2023-2025 DSM Plan Decision, proposing that certain directives be addressed in the 2027-2031 DSM Plan application, including providing individual justification for cost-ineffective measures and including payback information. Other directives are already being incorporated.

2.2 2023-2025 DSM RESOURCE PLAN - E1 developed the 2023-2025 Plan based on a full resource modelling approach with a comprehensive - stakeholder engagement process. On November 8, 2022, the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board - (NSUARB) a...

AI summary E1's 2023-2025 DSM Resource Plan, approved by NSUARB with $173M investment, includes performance targets and programs. The plan covers energy efficiency and demand response initiatives, with progress made in 2023-2024.

20 Table 2: Key Global Model Input & Assumptions in 2026 DSM Extension Development Item Description of Key Global Model Inputs & Assumptions EE DR • Avoided costs of both energy and capacity were based on NS Power's Evergreen Integrated Re...

AI summary The document outlines key global model inputs and assumptions for the 2026 DSM Extension Development, including avoided costs based on NS Power's Evergreen Integrated Resource Plan and provided to the DSM Advisory Group. Transmission and distribution avoided costs are also detailed, with DR assumed to have no energy impacts.

Avoided costs of both energy and capacity were based on NS Power's Evergreen IRP and avoided costs of transmission and distribution were provided by NS Power, both provided to the DSMAG on August 23, 2024. Avoided costs of carbon are embed...

AI summary The document discusses the calculation of avoided costs for energy, capacity, and carbon based on NS Power's Evergreen IRP and the methodology used for cost-effectiveness ratios in the 2023-2026 DSM Plan. It also outlines the inclusion of low-income and equity considerations and defines key terms like TRC and ePAC.

6 6. DEMAND RESPONSE In the 2023-2025 Plan, E1 introduced a new demand response (DR) program, a significant new development for the Nova Scotia electricity sector and E1. In the 2020 IRP, DR was selected as a new cost- effective resource f...

AI summary E1 introduced a new demand response (DR) program in the 2023-2025 Plan, building on 2019 DR pilots and the 2020 IRP's recognition of DR as a cost-effective resource. Collaborating with NS Power and Guidehouse, E1 developed DR pathways like battery control and CPP, with plans to expand initiatives in 2026. The 2023-2025 DSM Plan aimed to test DR feasibility and optimize costs.

21 Table 22: 2026 DSM Extension Enabling Strategies Enabling Strategy Category 2026 Investment ($ million) 2026 Areas of Focus Other Enabling Strategies $3.0 • Areas of focus for 2026 for Other Enabling Strategies align with the approved 2...

AI summary The 2026 DSM Extension Enabling Strategies include a $3.0 million investment aimed at supporting the development of the 2027-2031 DSM Resource Plan, engaging with the DSMAG, and participating in the integrated resource planning process under the new Independent Energy System Operator as outlined in Bill 404.

1. ISSUE - The purpose of the avoided costs discussion with the Demand Side Management Advisory Group (DSMAG) - was to achieve the following deliverable as described in the DSMAG Terms of Reference: - " Developing a methodology and process...

AI summary The document discusses the need to update avoided costs methodology for DSM planning, noting unresolved issues from NS Power's 2024 work using the 2022 IRP Update. E1 uses these costs for the 2026 DSM Extension but emphasizes resolving remaining issues to ensure updated costs are incorporated into the 2027-2031 DSM Plan.

A. Energy Efficiency Process Model - For the 2026 DSM Extension modelling, E1 used seasonal avoided costs of energy as calculated by NS - Power. More specifically, E1 used the following three streams of avoided costs of energy as calculate...

AI summary The 2026 DSM Extension modelling uses seasonal avoided costs of energy calculated by NS Power for the Evergreen IRP No Atlantic Loop Base Scenario, as provided to the DSMAG on August 23, 2024. Three streams of avoided costs are considered: On-Peak Winter, Off-Peak Winter, and Non-Winter Actual Annual AVC-Energy.

A. Energy Efficiency ProCESS Model For the 2026 DSM Extension modelling, E1 used the Actual Annual AVC-Capacity stream of avoided costs of capacity as calculated by NS Power for the Evergreen IRP No Atlantic Loop Base Scenario (CE1-E1-R2)...

AI summary The 2026 DSM Extension modelling uses actual annual AVC-Capacity stream of avoided costs of capacity calculated by NS Power for the Evergreen IRP No Atlantic Loop Base Scenario, as provided to the DSMAG on August 23, 2024.

3. AVOIDED COSTS OF TRANSMISSION & DISTRIBUTION (T&D)

AI summary The section discusses avoided costs related to transmission and distribution, focusing on regulatory considerations and stakeholder analyses. Key entities include Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB) and Demand-Side Management (DSM) programs, with emphasis on cost recovery mechanisms and benefit-cost ratios.

mpleted within a resource acquisition perspective. Market effects are considered by the Evaluator, but evaluation is focused on resource acquisition and first year energy savings and demand reduction. What will integration of climate into...

AI summary The text discusses integrating climate change into program evaluation frameworks, emphasizing the need for extended time horizons in resource planning (up to 2100/2150) and adjusting near-term decisions based on medium-term projections. It highlights the mismatch between current 20-30 year resource plans and the urgency of climate action, advocating for 50- and 150-year planning frameworks.

E. Residential Efficient Product Installation (EPI)

AI summary The section discusses Residential Efficient Product Installation (EPI), outlining key programs and acronyms relevant to energy efficiency initiatives in Nova Scotia. It lists abbreviations for programs, grants, and infrastructure related to residential energy management and demand-side strategies.

the others. 52 Table 86, Evaluated 2024 Residential Behavior Net Electrical Energy Savings, Econoler Residential Behavior Evaluation, Existing Programs, P. 195. program, since there are no physical measures installed, we have only the mete...

AI summary The evaluation of residential behavior programs' energy savings highlights concerns about the validity of aggregated GWh results. With large sample sizes, statistical significance is less meaningful, and effect size is emphasized. The 6.27 GWh annual savings are questioned for practical impact on power plant decisions due to their distribution across 80% of residential customers without physical measures.

Request IR-18: (a) With respect to Table 20, page 43 and the residential demand response program components, please compare E1's offerings to NSPI's SmartGrid NS pilot. (b) Please discuss how demand response (DR) events are determined and...

AI summary The response to Request IR-18 discusses the conclusion of NS Power's SmartGrid NS pilot and compares E1's demand response (DR) programs to NS Power's offerings. It highlights E1's DR initiatives aimed at meeting DR objectives from NS Power's Integrated Resource Plan and the Province's Clean Power Plan.

EfficiencyOne 2023-2025 DSM Plan Enabling Strategies - Regulatory Affairs Activities 2023 Plan 2023 Actual 2024 Plan 2024 Actual 2025 Plan 2025 Forecast 2026 Plan DSM Planning E1 Costs: DSM Consultants, Professional Fees & Staff Costs $ 89...

AI summary The document outlines the EfficiencyOne 2023-2025 DSM Plan Enabling Strategies, detailing costs associated with DSM planning, regular DSM matters, and support for the Integrated Resource Plan. It includes projected and actual costs for various activities over the years 2023 to 2026.

2. CE1-E1-R2 SCENARIO RE-RUN As part of the calculation of DSM avoided costs, NS Power ran the No DSM and No DR scenarios at a lower resolution than the 2022 Evergreen IRP scenarios. As part of the August 23, 2024 avoided cost update lette...

AI summary NS Power reran the CE1-E1-R2 scenario at a lower resolution to align with the No DSM and No DR scenarios for avoided cost calculations. E1 questions whether the differences in resource timing and retirements between the original and rerun scenarios have a material impact on avoided costs.

5. COMPARISON OF 2021 TO 2024 AVOIDED COSTS 2 2022 Evergreen IRP Updated Assumptions – Revised January 2023. Slide 12. January 26, 2023. E1 assessed the differences in avoided costs between the previous 2021 avoided costs (developed from t...

AI summary E1 compared NS Power's 2021 and 2024 avoided costs, noting that 2024 includes an embedded carbon cost absent in 2021. Annual avoided costs, not levelized values, were used for DSM Plan modeling. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate comparisons, with adjustments for CPI and carbon inclusion.

Discussion: The goal of time-differentiated avoided costs is to better understand and value the marginal impact to the system of removing energy during different time periods (i.e. what is the value of removing a kWh of energy during winte...

AI summary The discussion focuses on time-differentiated avoided costs for DSM resources, emphasizing their value during varying periods (e.g., winter on-peak vs. summer). E1 criticizes NS Power's categorization of non-winter periods without time differentiation, arguing it oversimplifies system costs and misrepresents price signals. E1 recommends at least four avoided cost categories for accurate system planning and DSM effectiveness.

Enabling Strategies (con't) Other Enabling Strategies – includes DSM Plan Development & Reporting, Stakeholder Engagement & Other Regulatory Initiatives – Investment of $3.0 million. Areas of focus includes: - Development of the 2027-2031...

AI summary A $3.0 million investment in enabling strategies includes DSM plan development, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory initiatives. Key activities involve creating the 2027-2031 DSM Resource Plan, collaborating with DSMAG, participating in integrated resource planning under Bill 404's Independent Energy System Operator, and completing 2026 DSM Extension reporting requirements.

E1 Responses to Synapse Energy Economics (Synapse) Information Requests NON-CONFIDENTIAL Request IR-05: Page 15 of the Evidence states, "In its decision approving the 2023-2025 DSM Plan, the NSUARB (as it then was) made note of the fact th...

AI summary The document discusses E1's response to Synapse's request regarding avoided cost calculations for the DSM Plan. It notes that the 2022 Evergreen IRP results were incorporated into the 2026 DSM Extension, with carbon costs now embedded in energy avoided costs, unlike in the 2023-2025 Plan. The Board directed the DSMAG to address climate goals in avoided cost calculations for the 2026-2028 Plan.

M12249 – EfficiencyOne (E1) Application for Approval of the 2026 DSM Extension 1 includes the avoided cost of carbon applied in the 2023-2025 Plan. Please show the 2 breakout of the avoided cost of carbon and the other avoided energy and c...

AI summary The document discusses the 2026 DSM Extension application by EfficiencyOne (E1), including questions about avoided costs of carbon and energy, and the source of these costs. E1 responds that NS Power provided avoided costs from the 2022 Evergreen IRP, but did not break down the carbon component separately.

1 Table 1: E1 2026 DSM Extension: Enabling Strategies - Regulatory Affairs Estimates EfficiencyOne 2026 DSM Extension Enabling Strategies - Regulatory Affairs 2026 Activities 2026 Estimates Development of 2027-2031 DSM Plan & Compliance wi...

AI summary The text presents a table outlining the estimated costs for the 2026 DSM Extension, including activities such as the development of the 2027-2031 DSM Plan, compliance with directives, regular DSM matters, and support for the Integrated Resource Plan. Costs are categorized into E1 Costs and Flow Through Costs.

8 Response IR-5: 9 We do not have a specific number for real energy savings. Here is why: Our role is to flag 10 problems, so that they can be discussed and considered. This is how our role contributes to policy 11 development and planning...

AI summary The respondent explains that real energy savings cannot be quantified specifically, as savings depend on utility system planning, customer type, and subjective customer perceptions of effort and cost. They emphasize the need for discussions with customers during site visits to understand residential perceptions of meaningful savings.

Request IR-03 b: - 2 Please describe the scopes of the other three centres of focus in the DSM cycle, which are - 3 described in Figure 1 as "Policy", "Plan", and "Implement."

AI summary Request IR-03 b asks for descriptions of the 'Policy', 'Plan', and 'Implement' centres of focus in the DSM cycle, as depicted in Figure 1. The query seeks clarification on their respective scopes within demand-side management frameworks.

ually comes down to decision making about infrastructure and the resource plan. System planning engineers and executive management will have a sound perspective on what makes sense and what does not.

AI summary The text emphasizes that decision-making regarding infrastructure and resource planning relies on the expertise of system planning engineers and executive management to evaluate feasible options. It highlights the importance of their perspective in determining viable solutions.

Jeffers, K. Jones, M. DeMenno. 2021. Application of a Standard Approach to Benefit-Cost Analysis for Electric Grid Resilience Investments. Synapse Energy Economics for Sandia National Laboratories. Kallay, J., A. Napoleon, B. Havumaki, J....

AI summary The text lists publications related to energy resilience, infrastructure inequities, climate change impacts, and utility efficiency. Key organizations include Synapse Energy Economics, Sandia National Laboratories, and the Natural Resources Defense Council. Topics focus on grid resilience, energy efficiency, and policy solutions.

8 Q. SHOULD EFFICIENCYONE DISCONTINUE ANY OF THESE PROGRAMS? - 9 A. No, not at this time. There are many uncertainties surrounding the future direction of the - 10 EfficiencyOne portfolio including new policy directives from the new Nova S...

AI summary EfficiencyOne will not discontinue its programs due to uncertainties including new policy directives from the Nova Scotia Energy Board, updated benefit-cost tests, reevaluated savings, and new program areas like solar and storage. A plan extension allows continued service while policy questions are resolved and further planning occurs.

Nevada Power's Energy Efficiency Potential Sierra Club, Nevada (November 2011 – June 2012) - Research on Nevada Power's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and development of alternative energy efficiency potential projections.

AI summary Sierra Club conducted research on Nevada Power's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and developed alternative energy efficiency potential projections from November 2011 to June 2012.

Connecticut's Long Term Acquisition Plan Connecticut Office of the Consumer Council – Connecticut (August – October 2008) - Provided research and support for expert testimony regarding long-range energyefficiency procurement plan of the En...

AI summary The Connecticut Office of the Consumer Council provided research and support for expert testimony on the Energy Conservation Management Board's long-range energy efficiency procurement plan from August to October 2008.

IN THE MATTER OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES ACT - and - IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION by EFFICIENCYONE for approval of the 2026 DSM Extension for Demand-Side Management Activities between EfficiencyOne and Nova Scotia Power Inc., and for Appro...

AI summary EfficiencyOne seeks approval for a 2026 DSM Extension and amendment to its 2023-2025 DSM Purchase Agreement with Nova Scotia Power Inc. The Board approves the performance targets, amendments, and directs the development of a five-year DSM Plan (2027-2031).

grams components, such as Instant Savings and Efficient Product Installation, as well as the expected decline in savings in Home Energy Assessment with the closure of the Canada Greener Homes program. - [17] The planned 2026 DSM extension...

AI summary The document discusses E1's planned 2026 DSM extension investment, which is slightly below the 2025 forecast, and its support for the 2027-2031 DSM Plan and Integrated Resource Plan. It also mentions the development of demand response programs, including direct load control, battery control, and enabling technologies like critical peak pricing.

Eastward Energy Incorporated TAKE NOTICE that Eastward Energy ("Eastward") hereby requests to intervene in this proceeding. Eastward is a Nova Scotia-based company, formed for the purpose of providing natural gas distribution service to No...

AI summary Eastward Energy Incorporated requests intervention in a Nova Scotia Energy Board proceeding. The company provides natural gas distribution in Nova Scotia and seeks involvement in issues determined by the NSEB. Contact details for Eastward representatives are provided, including Allison Coffin and Angela Costello.

mbers joined by their consultants); and • On April 22, 2025, E1 hosted a DSMAG Technical Briefing for the 2026 DSM Extension." a. Please provide the dates of the one-on-one meetings and a list of the stakeholders who participated each meet...

AI summary The document requests details on DSMAG meetings and materials from a technical briefing. It references the NSUARB's directive to update avoided cost calculations for DSM planning, incorporating 2022 IRP data and climate goals. E1 integrated updated avoided costs, including embedded carbon costs, for the 2026 DSM Extension, though separate carbon inputs were not provided.

only 2 types of value being assessed, the SBA respectfully submits that there is no consideration of the value that participants either received or expected to receive when they chose to participate. The SBA respectfully suggests and recom...

AI summary The SBA argues that the current value assessment only considers two types of value, ignoring participants' received or expected benefits. It recommends deferring program decisions, funding, and cost-benefit analyses to a future Five-Year Plan application. The submission is dated September 18, 2025, by Melissa P. MacAdam, Small Business Advocate.

IN THE MATTER OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES ACT - and - IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION by EFFICIENCYONE for approval of the 2026 DSM Extension for Demand-Side Management Activities between EfficiencyOne and Nova Scotia Power Inc., and for Appro...

AI summary EfficiencyOne applied for approval of the 2026 DSM Extension and amendment to its 2023-2025 DSM Purchase Agreement with Nova Scotia Power Inc. The Board approved the performance targets, amendments, and directed development of a 2027-2031 DSM Plan.

grams components, such as Instant Savings and Efficient Product Installation, as well as the expected decline in savings in Home Energy Assessment with the closure of the Canada Greener Homes program. - [17] The planned 2026 DSM extension...

AI summary The text discusses E1's planned 2026 DSM extension investment, its alignment with the 2027-2031 DSM Plan, and the development of demand response programs, including the use of direct load control, battery control, and critical peak pricing. It highlights collaboration with NS Power and Guidehouse in modeling and planning these initiatives.