Topic:"Instant Savings" in M12780

DATE FILED: March 31, 2026 Page 24 of 112 Area of Change Change/New Element Rationale and Context Program Delivery • Introduction of heating system rebates in Instant Savings delivered mid stream (i.e., contractors deliver incentives direc...

AI summary The document introduces a new mid-stream delivery approach for heating system rebates under the Instant Savings program, aiming to increase customer participation by having contractors deliver incentives directly to customers, reducing administrative burden.

ives provide direct support to Nova Scotians participating in DSM programs and are 7 directly linked to the DSM resource savings targets. Incentive types for E1's DSM programs include the 8 following: - 9 rebates paid directly to customers...

AI summary The text outlines E1's DSM programs, detailing incentive types such as rebates, customer upgrade costs, and third-party delivery agent costs. It highlights categories like Home Energy Assessment, Demand Response, and Solar-PV, with a figure illustrating 2027–2031 DSM expenditure categories.

6. ENERGY EFFICIENCY DSM energy efficiency refers to delivering the same or improved level of service using less energy, resulting in measurable reductions in energy consumption while maintaining or improving performance. Natural Resources...

AI summary Energy efficiency programs, led by E1, focus on reducing energy consumption through initiatives like residential LED baselines and Mi'kmaw New Home Construction. The 2027–2031 DSM Plan includes enhanced incentives, expanded rebate categories, and program updates to address rising costs and evolving market needs.

- 4 [Table 17](#page-134-0) summarizes the five-year investment and savings for the Instant Savings program component, - 5 including design and implementation strategy details.

AI summary The text references Table 17, which summarizes the five-year investment and savings for the Instant Savings program component, including design and implementation strategy details.

1 Table 17: 2027–2031 Instant Savings Program Component Instant Savings Annual Plan Investment ($M) Energy Savings (GWh) Demand Savings (MW) Participation (products) 2027 Total 2.2 11.5 1.0 38,260 2028 Total 3.3 12.2 3.0 38,960 2029 Total...

AI summary Table 17 outlines the Instant Savings Program's investment, energy savings, demand savings, and participation from 2027 to 2031, showing increasing investments and savings over time with a total investment of $20.6M and total energy savings of 63.4 GWh over the five-year period.

2.2 2025 Participation Result[s](#page-11-0) - [Table 2](#page-11-0) presents E1's 2025 participation results. The table provides a comparison of 2025 - participation results to those modelled in the 2025 Plan and the four-year Plan period...

AI summary E1's 2025 participation results show mixed outcomes compared to the 2025 Plan. Higher participation occurred in Instant Savings, Affordable Homes programs, and Business Energy Rebates due to retailer sales, faster project completion, and rebate promotions. Lower participation was observed in Efficient Product Installation (phasing out lighting measures), Green Heat (ended in 2025), and Demand Response (unpursued pathways). The Custom program exceeded energy savings despite lower participation.

- o Residential Behaviour, Custom, Strategic Energy Management, the Application Rebates service of Business Energy Rebates, Residential Demand Response, and BNI Demand Response received comprehensive impact evaluations. - o Appliance Retir...

AI summary The 2025 evaluation activities include comprehensive and condensed impact evaluations for various energy programs, a market evaluation for Business Energy Rebates' Instant Rebates, a process evaluation for Residential Demand Response, and updates to the Measure Assessment document. Evaluations involve surveys, interviews, and jurisdictional scans to assess program effectiveness and market conditions.

- Several factors contributed to expenditures being lower than the 2025 Plan as Approved, including the Appliance Retirement program component ending in January 2025, low unit cost products (e.g., lighting, outdoor heavy-duty timers, and s...

AI summary Expenditures were lower than the 2025 Plan as Approved due to the Appliance Retirement program ending, low-cost products in the Instant Savings program, and the removal of higher-cost items like dehumidifiers from the program.

Program Components - Appliance Retirement retires old, inefficient household appliances (e.g., refrigerators, freezers, room air conditioners) by offering free appliance pick-up from homes, proper recycling, and a financial incentive. The...

AI summary The Appliance Retirement program retired inefficient appliances until January 2025, offering incentives and recycling. Instant Savings provides rebates for energy-efficient purchases. Both programs aim to improve energy efficiency and reduce consumption.

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.

Instant Savings - › Instant Savings surpassed its net electrical energy savings target by 18% and fell short of its peak demand savings target by 52%. - › Following the removal of LED lighting products and dehumidifiers from the Instant Sa...

AI summary Instant Savings exceeded its net electrical energy savings target by 18% but missed its peak demand savings target by 52%. Participation dropped 71% after removing LED lighting and dehumidifiers. Controls now account for 61% of rebated products and 68% of energy savings. Discrepancies exist between evaluator and E1 tracked savings, and the program's NTGR was updated to 0.77 in 2025.

Instant Savings Findings and Recommendations This subsection presents the key findings from the 2025 Instant Savings evaluation. The Evaluator has no specific recommendation for Instant Savings. 2025 Instant Savings-Finding: Instant Saving...

AI summary The 2025 Instant Savings program exceeded its net electrical energy savings target by 18% but missed peak demand savings by 52%. Participation dropped 71% after removing LED lighting and dehumidifiers. Controls now dominate rebated products (61%), and discrepancies exist between evaluated and tracked savings (NTGR: 0.77 vs. 0.98).

5 Instant Savings Overview This section describes Instant Savings, follows up on past evaluation recommendations, and provides an overview of participation history.

AI summary This section outlines the Instant Savings program, referencing past evaluations and providing insights into participation history. It serves as an overview of the program's implementation and effectiveness.

5.1 Instant Savings Description Instant Savings offers instant cash rebates to consumers who purchase eligible energy efficient products. Instant Savings is delivered with the help of one Delivery Agent (DA), Summerhill Group Inc., as well...

AI summary Instant Savings provides instant cash rebates for energy-efficient products in Nova Scotia, managed by Summerhill Group Inc. and E1. The program expanded to online retailers in 2019 and 2020 but removed certain products and seasonal campaigns in 2025, pausing rebates on some items until year-end due to high initial sales.

7 Instant Savings Impact Evaluation The objectives of the 2025 Instant Savings impact evaluation were to determine gross and net electrical energy and peak demand savings, annually avoided GHG emissions, as well as EUL values and associate...

AI summary The 2025 Instant Savings impact evaluation aimed to assess gross and net electrical energy and peak demand savings, annual avoided GHG emissions, and Effective Useful Life (EUL) values with associated lifetime energy savings.

7.2 Gross Savings For Instant Savings, gross savings correspond to the change in energy consumption resulting from eligible energy efficient products being purchased by participants compared to the consumption level had those purchases not...

AI summary Gross savings for Instant Savings are defined as the reduction in energy consumption resulting from participants purchasing eligible energy-efficient products, compared to consumption levels if those purchases had not occurred. This metric evaluates the direct impact of program participation on energy use.

7.3.2 Spillover For LED fixtures with motion sensors and solar fixtures, the spillover levels established in the 2024 Instant Savings evaluation were used. For non-lighting measures for which free-ridership levels were established, namely...

AI summary The text discusses the use of spillover levels for LED fixtures with motion sensors and solar fixtures based on the 2024 Instant Savings evaluation, as well as for non-lighting measures like clothes washers and pool pumps, determined through a literature review.

Table 21: Spillover Levels Used in the 2025 Instant Savings Evaluation Product Spillover Level Efficient Clothes Washers ENERGY STAR Certified Clothes Dryers Efficient Combined Washers/Dryers ENERGY STAR Certified Dehumidifiers 3% ENERGY S...

AI summary Table 21 presents spillover levels for various energy-efficient products used in the 2025 Instant Savings Evaluation. The table includes products such as efficient clothes washers, ENERGY STAR certified dehumidifiers, and others, with only the dehumidifiers having a specified spillover level of 3%. The section also mentions Net-to-gross Ratio Calculations, which are relevant to the evaluation process.

The NTGRs are calculated using the following equation. $$NTGR = (1 - \% Free-ridership + \% Spillover)$$ Using this equation, the NTGR values were estimated for rebated products for which free-ridership and spillover levels were determined...

AI summary The document outlines the calculation of Net-to-Gross Ratios (NTGR) using free-ridership and spillover percentages. NTGR values were estimated for rebated products, while other products used literature review findings. Table 22 summarizes NTGR values, free-ridership, and spillover levels, with LED lighting products using values from the 2024 Instant Savings evaluation.

8 Instant Savings Key Findings and Recommendations The 2025 Instant Savings evaluation included a condensed impact evaluation and a literature review to determine NTGRs for non-lighting measures. The main objectives of the 2025 Instant Sav...

AI summary The 2025 Instant Savings program exceeded its net electrical energy savings target by 18% (11.430 GWh) but missed its peak demand savings target by 52% (0.466 MW vs. 0.965 MW). Participation dropped 71% after removing LED lighting and dehumidifiers, with controls becoming the top rebated category (61% of products). Evaluated NTGRs (0.77) were lower than E1-tracked values (0.98) due to revised non-lighting product ratios.

Instant Savings Appendix III Instant Savings: Tracking Sheet Audit Appendix IV Instant Savings: 2025 Net-to-gross Ratio Literature Review Appendix V Instant Savings: 2025 Recommendations 2475, Laurier boul., Suite 250 Quebec City, QC G1T 1...

AI summary The document outlines appendices related to 'Instant Savings,' including a tracking sheet audit, a 2025 Net-to-Gross Ratio literature review, and 2025 recommendations. EfficiencyOne is identified as an organization involved in the proceeding.

APPENDIX III Instant Savings Tracking Sheet Audit This appendix presents the main results of the tracking sheet audit performed by the Evaluator, which was aimed at: - › Verifying that all data fields required for the evaluation were inclu...

AI summary This appendix outlines the results of an audit of the Instant Savings Tracking Sheet conducted by the Evaluator. The audit aimed to verify the completeness and accuracy of data fields and calculation methods used in the tracking sheet submitted by E1.

Table 1: 2025 Instant Savings Corrected Tracked Savings Program Component Results Value Tracked by E1 Corrected Tracked Value Relative Difference Value Unit Value Unit Value Instant Savings Gross Electrical Energy Savings at the Generator...

AI summary The table shows minor differences between tracked and corrected tracked values for electrical energy and peak demand savings under the Instant Savings program. The discrepancies are attributed to an unapplied 86% installation rate for smart power controllers and an unupdated LED baseline assumption affecting peak demand savings.

APPENDIX IV Instant Savings Net-to-Gross Ratio Literature Review

AI summary This literature review examines the Instant Savings Net-to-Gross Ratio (NTGR), a metric used to evaluate the effectiveness of energy efficiency programs. It focuses on how NTGR quantifies the relationship between immediate cost savings and total program costs, influencing decisions on demand-side management (DSM) and incentive structures.

Methodology The Evaluator conducted a literature review of technical reference manuals (TRMs), NTG studies and instant rebate program impact evaluation reports across 12 jurisdictions in Canada and the United States for NTGR assumptions of...

AI summary The Evaluator reviewed technical reference manuals and NTGR studies from 12 jurisdictions to assess instant rebate program impact. Similar measures like lighting controls and thermostats were grouped based on customer motivation and program influence. Priority was given to instant rebate programs and online marketplaces, as well as participant survey data for NTGR assumptions.

APPENDIX V Instant Savings 2025 Recommendations The Evaluator made no specific recommendation as part of the 2025 evaluation of Instant Savings. PROJECT NO. 6629 2475, Laurier boul., Suite 250 Quebec City, QC G1T 1C4 Canada Tel.: 418-692-2...

AI summary The Evaluator made no specific recommendations in the 2025 evaluation of Instant Savings. The document includes project details from an organization based in Quebec City, Canada, with contact information provided.

[Table](#page-178-1) 22 compares total tracked and evaluated savings for Instant Rebates. It also includes the realization rates, representing the ratio of evaluated net savings to tracked net savings, for both electrical energy savings an...

AI summary Table 22 compares total tracked and evaluated savings for Instant Rebates in 2025, including realization rates for both electrical energy savings and peak demand savings.

Table 1: Residential Measure Assessment Change Log Change Type Section Description Date Update 2.2.3(7) Pipe Insulation Update EUL value 2023-03-09 New Measure 2.3.3(10) Smart Thermostats for Electrical Heating Systems Renamed from the sma...

AI summary This table outlines changes made to residential energy efficiency measures, including updates to existing measures like pipe insulation and LED lamps, as well as the addition of new measures such as smart thermostats for heat pumps and solar fixtures. The changes reflect updates to energy efficiency assumptions and include new technologies in the Instant Savings program.

Table 10: EPI LED Lamp Installation Rate Installation Rate Margin of Error Reference 94% 3.0% 2024 EPI evaluation (on-site visits) For upstream programs like Instant Savings, the UMP makes the following recommendation:

AI summary Table 10 presents the EPI LED lamp installation rate at 94% with a 3.0% margin of error, referencing a 2024 EPI evaluation. The UMP recommends actions for upstream programs like Instant Savings.

Table 16: Electrical Unitary Savings Values for Indoor Motion Sensors Parameter EPI, Instant Savings Reference Average Wattage [W] 2 x 9 W = 18.0 W Assumed two controlled LED lamps per motion sensor Daily Hours of Operation [h/day] 2.6 RLH...

AI summary Table 16 presents the electrical unitary savings values for indoor motion sensors, including parameters such as average wattage, daily hours of operation, and unitary energy savings. The data is based on assumptions and references from studies and lists related to energy efficiency measures.

Table 23: Unitary Savings Values for Solar Fixtures Parameter Instant Savings EPI Reference Baseline Wattage [W] 4.68 53.4 Instant Savings: Standard-compliant lamps providing the same lighting output as the rebated solar fixtures EPI: See...

AI summary Table 23 and Table 24 discuss unitary savings values for solar fixtures and the representative lamp mix calculation through EPI. The tables include parameters such as baseline wattage, old operating time, and unitary energy savings. References are provided for the calculations used.

For Instant Savings, the installation rate is assumed to be 100% since participants have to purchase the product. 106 Ibid. 2025 DSM Measure Assessment Final Report 80 104 NRCan, 2015 Survey of Household Energy Use, Table 10.6. Calculated...

AI summary The text discusses the assumption of a 100% installation rate for the Instant Savings program, as participants are required to purchase the product. It also references a 2015 survey on household energy use and a 2011 report from the Ontario Power Authority.

Smart power bars rebated under Instant Savings are classified as Tier 1. Tier 1 smart power bars have a master outlet that switches off other outlets when the master device is turned off. The electrical unitary savings energy value associa...

AI summary Tier 1 smart power bars under the Instant Savings program have a master outlet that turns off other outlets when the master device is off. The energy savings value for these devices is based on a 2019 study of 133 Massachusetts households.

- 4 Attachment 2 to this IR response. Residential Instant Savings - Cost and Energy Savings Analysis Change in Energy Savings 9.51 2027-2031 Average Savings 47.50 Custom & Strategic Energy Management Unit Cost Analysis 2026 Unit Cost $ 0.2...

AI summary The text provides a cost and energy savings analysis for the Residential Instant Savings program, highlighting changes in energy savings and unit costs over time, with a focus on the impact of cost and energy savings changes from 2021 to 2026.

20 i) • For the "Energy Star certified Room Air Purifiers (RAP)" measure under the "Instant Savings" program, investment ranges between $240,800 to $309,600 for each year for the 2027–2031 DSM plan. The payback period for this measure with...

AI summary The 'Energy Star certified Room Air Purifiers (RAP)' measure under the 'Instant Savings' program has an investment range of $240,800 to $309,600 annually for the 2027–2031 DSM plan. The payback period without incentives is 1.24 years.

For the Instant Savings Program, CLEAResult has the following recommendations: General Principle Current Activities Recommended Activities

AI summary CLEAResult provides recommendations for the Instant Savings Program, focusing on general principles, current activities, and recommended activities. The table outlines the structure for evaluating and improving the program.

Parameter Program Budget Incentive Level Threshold Total Expenditure (Incentive + Program Administration) $0.26/kWh Incentive Expenditure (@ 30% Program Administration Expenditure) $0.18/kWh Incentive Expenditure (@ 20% Program Administrat...

AI summary Table 28 outlines the Program Budget Incentive Level Threshold for the Instant Savings Program, detailing total expenditure, incentive expenditure, and varying levels of program administration costs per kilowatt-hour.

Co ntr ol Ac tiv ity r 'I tan t' T ab of '2 02 2 B ER In ter l C tro l' F ile pe ns na on Ma ing pp Ne Pro du ct Re t: E ffic ien Pa rtn bm its Pro Sp ial ist rifi ch ally fo lig ibi lity ing th e B ER in sta nt- reb ate cri ter ia w qu es...

AI summary The text discusses control activity related to the 'Instant Rebate' criteria for the 2022 BER Interim Control File, including eligibility and calculation methods. It also mentions the submission of a specialist report by the efficiency partner.

Objective: The objective of this internal audit was to design and operating effectiveness of EfficiencyOne's documented internal controls for the Instant Savings (IS) program.

AI summary The internal audit aimed to evaluate the design and operating effectiveness of EfficiencyOne's internal controls for the Instant Savings program.

Scope The scope of the internal audit included assessing the design and operating effectiveness of 6 key controls identified by EfficiencyOne, covering control activities in EfficiencyOne's control matrix for Instant Savings. The focus was...

AI summary The internal audit evaluated the design and operating effectiveness of key controls in EfficiencyOne's Instant Savings program from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022, focusing on compliance with internal processes and risk management.

Process improvement opportunities (cont'd) Observation# Observation Business impact Recommendation #5 – Review and Update the Instant Savings Program Manual IA noted that the Instant Savings program manual and control grid includes process...

AI summary The document highlights the need to review and update the Instant Savings Program Manual and control grid, as current processes may be outdated. Management agrees to update the manual as part of the annual review to ensure alignment with actual operations.

- reproduced below. Parameter Instant Savings, EPI Reference Measure Description and Identification Measure Added humidity sensors on existing bathroom exhaust fans with direct installation - Baseline Existing fans with no controls - Gener...

AI summary This section outlines the parameters for a measure involving the addition of humidity sensors on existing bathroom exhaust fans with direct installation, including details on energy savings, peak demand savings, and effective useful life.

7 4.12 IS_HVAC_HP MINI-SPLIT HEAT PUMP - 8 Instant Savings offers instant cash rebates to consumers who purchase eligible energy efficient products. - 9 Instant Savings is delivered with the help of one Delivery Agent (DA), Summerhill Grou...

AI summary The document describes the Instant Savings program, which provides instant cash rebates to consumers purchasing eligible energy-efficient products, facilitated by Summerhill Group Inc. and national and independent retailers across Nova Scotia.

4.13.6.1 Energy Savings (kWh) Value: 768 kWh - Source: 2024-2025 Measure Assessment, 2024 Evaluation Edition Residential Table 108: Energy Star - Certified Room Air Purifier Measure Summary, page 107 - Details: In practice, the electrical...

AI summary This section provides the energy savings (768 kWh) from ENERGY STAR certified room air purifiers, calculated using a specific equation derived from the 10 most sold models under the Instant Savings program in 2024. The calculation considers factors like CADR, energy efficiency, and hours of use.

10 (a) Confirm or correct the totals shown above. 11 12 (b) Provide the per-unit savings assumptions for air purifiers and smart thermostats. 13 (c) Explain the difference in unit cost between smart thermostats delivered through Instant Sa...

AI summary The text outlines several requests related to confirming totals, providing per-unit savings assumptions, explaining cost differences between programs, and removing smart thermostats from a PAC result. These points pertain to energy efficiency programs and their financial implications.

es 76–77, E1 is maintaining Residential DR at DATE FILED: May 28, 2026 E1 (SNS) IR-03 Page 1 of 2 The basis is described in Section 3.3 of the 2027–2031 DSM Plan Evidence. 2026 DSM Extension levels with no new enrollments, limiting increme...

AI summary E1 is maintaining Residential Demand Response (DR) at 2026 DSM Extension levels without new enrollments, aiming to optimize performance and reduce costs by improving existing device base efficiency and participation rates. Cost-effectiveness challenges persist despite leveraging lower-cost delivery pathways like the Efficient Product Installation and Instant Savings programs.

Table 1: E1's Programs Delivered by Third Parties Affordable Multifamily Housing ✔ Efficient Product Installation ✔ Home Energy Assessment ✔ HomeWarming ✔ Instant Savings ✔ Mi'kmaw Home Energy Efficiency Project ✔ Strategic Energy Manageme...

AI summary Table 1 lists E1's programs delivered by third parties, including energy efficiency and demand response initiatives. E1's procurement activities are governed by a biennially reviewed procurement policy approved by E1's Board of Directors.

Econoler provides further support by regularly updating the Demand-side Management Measure Assessment (DSM MA) document. This year, the product categories rebated through the Instant Savings program were updated as part of its condensed ev...

AI summary Econoler supports the Demand-side Management Measure Assessment (DSM MA) by updating the Instant Savings program's product categories. They also conducted evaluations of the Business Energy Rebates – Instant Rebates program and the Residential Demand Response program to improve participation and operations.

ross and net energy and peak demand by using evaluation results. - Calculate avoided GHG emission reduction. Evaluator Findings. The Evaluator reported the following key Instant Savings findings: - In 2025 Instant Savings achieved net elec...

AI summary The Instant Savings program achieved net electrical energy savings in 2025 but fell short of peak demand savings targets. The removal of certain products led to a significant reduction in rebated products. Saving controls accounted for a large portion of savings, but net savings were lower than tracked values due to NTGR adjustments.

17 Q. WHAT HEAT PUMP MEASRUES IS E1 PROPOSING TO ADD TO THE 18 INSTANT SAVINGS PROGRAM COMPONENT? 19 A. E1 is proposing to add two new point-of-sale rebate measures to the Instant Savings 20 program component: Centrally Ducted Heat Pump Sy...

AI summary E1 is proposing to add two new point-of-sale rebate measures to the Instant Savings program component: Centrally Ducted Heat Pump Systems and Mini-Split Heat Pumps, with projected participation and anticipated incentives provided in a table.

1 Table 5. Projected Participation and incentives for Newly Added Heat Pumps in the Instant Savings Program Component 2 [82](#page-43-0) Measure Metric 2027 2028 2029 2030 2030 Participation (units) 0 250 400 450 400 Centrally Ducted HP Pe...

AI summary Table 5 outlines projected participation and incentives for newly added heat pumps in the Instant Savings Program Component from 2027 to 2030, showing increasing participation and incentive amounts for both centrally ducted and mini-split heat pumps.

19 Q. WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND REGARDING HEAT PUMP INCENTIVES IN 20 THE INSTANT SAVINGS PROGRAM? - 21 A. I recommend that the Board: - 22 Direct E1 to offer incentives for mini-split and centrally ducted HPs as soon as 23 possible. Ideally th...

AI summary The respondent recommends that the Board direct E1 to offer incentives for mini-split and centrally ducted heat pumps in the Instant Savings Program, with specific rebate amounts and timelines. They also suggest maintaining current incentive levels and adjusting them if needed based on participation and freeridership rates.

core mechanic SNS is proposing, enrollment bundled into device acquisition rather than a separate step, without requiring a utility-paid install visit, since the customer installs the unit themselves. Second, and more fundamentally, the cu...

AI summary SNS proposes bundling enrollment with device acquisition, allowing self-installation without utility-paid install visits. The Preferred Plan maintains residential demand response (DR) at 2026 levels but continues deploying thermostats through costlier Direct Install and Instant Savings, without capturing DR value. SNS suggests retiring Direct Install and pre-enrolling or making enrollment conditional for thermostats procured through Instant Savings to capture DR value more effectively.

- 3 b) Provide the per-unit savings assumptions for air purifiers and smart thermostats. - 4 c) Explain the difference in unit cost between smart thermostats delivered through Instant - 5 Savings ($0.064/kWh) and Efficient Product Installa...

AI summary The text requests information on per-unit savings for air purifiers and smart thermostats, the rationale for using a higher-cost channel for smart thermostats, the Efficient Product Installation PAC result without smart thermostats, and whether smart thermostats delivered through DSM are required to enroll in EcoShift.