Topic:"Low Income Programs" in M07544

ENS's DSM portfolio currently does not feature an electricity DSM program exclusively directed towards the low income sector. However, there are plans for an energy efficiency incentive offering to this sector. CLEAResult has included a su...

AI summary ENS currently lacks a low-income electricity DSM program but plans to develop one, modeled after the SBES program, offering full energy audits and rebates for efficiency measures. The pilot will remove the 350,000 kWh cap for affordable housing properties and implement funding caps at the owner and project levels.

Figure 22: Union Gas Targets & Performance Metric[s](#page-112-0) 4 Resource Acquisition Scorecard Performance-Based Overhead Evaluation $ 251,000 $ 251,000 $ 251,000 $ 251,000 $ 251,000 $ 35,000 $ 216,000 $ 35,000 $ 216,000 $ 35,000 $ 216...

AI summary The document presents a detailed breakdown of Union Gas's targets and performance metrics, including various budgetary allocations and financial figures related to low-income and large-volume programs. It outlines administrative costs, overhead evaluations, and specific initiatives such as home weatherization and furnace end-of-life programs.

EXISTING MAIN PROGRAMS – UNION GAS [4](#page-112-1) Program Area Program Name Description Incentives Links Home Weatherization Program provides low-income qualified residential customers with a home energy assessment and weatherization at...

AI summary Union Gas offers low-income and Aboriginal customers free energy efficiency measures, including home weatherization, insulation, water-saving products, and programmable thermostats, along with financial incentives for furnace upgrades.

- 4. Net Levelized cost ($/kWh)1 = PV (costs all benefits except for electric energy benefits) / PV (energy savings) Benefits Costs Low Income Program6 The Low Income Program provides some low-cost energy savings measures that can easily b...

AI summary The Low Income Program offers free energy-saving measures to low-income residential account holders, including CFL lamps, faucet aerators, and energy-efficient refrigerators. Another program encourages customers to purchase ENERGY STAR compliant appliances and electronics, focusing on high-energy-consuming items.

APPENDIX A: MEASURE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

AI summary Appendix A outlines the Measure Development Process within a Nova Scotia regulatory proceeding, involving entities like the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (UARB) and the DSM Advisory Group (DSMAG). It references energy efficiency frameworks, cost methodologies, and stakeholder involvement in demand-side management (DSM) initiatives.

LOAD AND CONSUMPTION INFORMATION

AI summary The text provides context for load and consumption information, listing acronyms related to energy efficiency, regulatory bodies, and programs. Key entities include organizations like the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board and programs such as Demand Side Management.

ENS's DSM portfolio currently does not feature an electricity DSM program exclusively directed towards the low income sector. However, there are plans for an energy efficiency incentive offering to this sector. CLEAResult has included a su...

AI summary Efficiency Nova Scotia (ENS) does not currently have a low-income electricity DSM program but plans to develop one. The pilot would include building-wide upgrades and 100% coverage for energy audits. It would be modeled after the SBES program and remove a 350,000 kWh cap to support larger affordable housing properties.

Figure 23: Union Gas Targets & Performance Metric[s](#page-125-0) 4 Resource Acquisition Scorecard Commercial & Industrial Overhead - Revised $ 4,253,176 $ 4,954,334 $ 4,945,285 $ 24,041,667 Evaluation Administrative costs - Revised $ 189,...

AI summary The document presents Union Gas's targets and performance metrics, including resource acquisition scores, evaluation administrative costs, and program budgets. It outlines financial figures for various initiatives, such as RunSmart, Strategic Energy Management (SEM), and low-income home weatherization programs.

EXISTING MAIN PROGRAMS – UNION GAS [4](#page-125-1) Program Area Program Name Description Incentives Links Home Weatherization Program provides low-income qualified residential customers with a home energy assessment and weatherization at...

AI summary The text outlines two existing programs by Union Gas aimed at providing energy efficiency measures to low-income and Aboriginal customers. The Home Weatherization Program offers free home energy assessments, insulation, and energy-saving products. The Aboriginal program provides free energy efficiency measures and financial incentives for furnace upgrades.

COST EFFECTIVENESS REQUIREMENTS Total Resource Cost (TRC) is used by BC Hydro and the BCUC at the program level to evaluate performance. Programs must have a TRC of 1.0 or greater. There is an expectation of low-income programs. Internally...

AI summary BC Hydro and BCUC require programs to have a Total Resource Cost (TRC) of 1.0 or greater. Additional internal cost-effectiveness tests, such as utility cost and ratepayer impact measures, are used. Low-income programs are expected to meet these criteria.

- 4. Net Levelized cost ($/kWh)1 = PV (costs all benefits except for electric energy benefits) / PV (energy savings) Benefits Costs Low Income Program6 The Low Income Program provides some low-cost energy savings measures that can easily b...

AI summary The document discusses two programs: the Low Income Program, which provides free energy-saving measures for low-income residents, and the Appliances and Electronics program, which encourages the purchase of ENERGY STAR compliant appliances. Both aim to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs.

Figure 61: Benefit- Cost Ratios: Electric Programs 2015 [12](#page-198-0) Adjusted Gross Benefit-to-Cost-Ratio Net Benefit-to-Cost-Ratio Programs TRC PACT Last Evaluation Net to Gross Ratio TRC PACT Business Incentive Program Electric Meas...

AI summary The text presents benefit-cost ratios for various electric and natural gas programs in 2015, including adjusted gross and net benefit-to-cost ratios for different initiatives such as the Business Incentive Program, Home Energy Savings Program, and Low-Income Direct Install Initiative. These ratios are calculated using TRC and PACT metrics.

Figure 63: Electric Program Expenditures 2015 [12](#page-198-0) Program Incentive Delivery Total Business Incentive Program Electric Measures $15,642,304 $1,520,601 $17,162,905 Large Customer Program Electric Measures $6,439,194 $544,245 $...

AI summary Figure 63 outlines electric program expenditures for 2015, detailing various programs such as the Business Incentive Program, Home Energy Savings Program, and Low-Income Direct Install Initiative, along with their respective incentive, delivery, and total costs.

ENS's DSM portfolio currently does not feature an electricity DSM program exclusively directed towards the low income sector. However, there are plans for an energy efficiency incentive offering to this sector. CLEAResult has included a su...

AI summary Efficiency Nova Scotia (ENS) currently lacks a dedicated low-income electricity DSM program, but plans are in place to develop one. The pilot would include building-wide upgrades, full energy audits, and rebates for efficiency measures. It would be modeled after the SBES program and aim to remove the 350,000 kWh cap for larger affordable housing properties.

Figure 232223: Union Gas Targets & Performance Metrics [44](#page-130-0) Resource Acquisition Scorecard Performance Dased Fotal $ 540,000 • 040,000 1,000,000 • 000,000 4 1,000,000 • 4,000,000 Low Income Home Weatherization - Revised $ 6,33...

AI summary The document presents a table with performance metrics and targets related to resource acquisition for Union Gas, including figures for low-income programs, Aboriginal initiatives, furnace end-of-life management, and large-volume projects. It outlines budget allocations, performance targets, and associated costs.

EXISTING MAIN PROGRAMS – UNION GAS [44](#page-130-1) Program Area Program Name Description Incentives Links Home Weatherization Program provides low-income qualified residential customers with a home energy assessment and weatherization at...

AI summary The document outlines two existing main programs by Union Gas: Home Weatherization and Aboriginal Low-Income programs. These programs provide free energy efficiency measures and financial incentives for low-income and Aboriginal customers to improve home energy efficiency.

COST EFFECTIVENESS REQUIREMENTS Total Resource Cost (TRC) is used by BC Hydro and the BCUC at the program level to evaluate performance. Programs must have a TRC of 1.0 or greater. There is an expectation of low-income programs. Internally...

AI summary BC Hydro and BCUC use Total Resource Cost (TRC) at the program level, requiring a TRC of 1.0 or greater. Low-income programs are expected, and other internal cost-effectiveness tests like utility cost and ratepayer impact measures are applied.

- 4. Net Levelized cost ($/kWh)1 = PV (costs all benefits except for electric energy benefits) / PV (energy savings) Benefits Costs Low Income Program6 The Low Income Program provides some low-cost energy savings measures that can easily b...

AI summary The document outlines two programs aimed at promoting energy efficiency. The Low Income Program provides free energy-saving measures to low-income residents, while the Appliances and Electronics program encourages the purchase of ENERGY STAR compliant appliances and electronics.

ing energy efficiency programs in numerous jurisdictions (including many of those included in CLEAResult's jurisdictional scan), CLEAResult's framework is not appropriate for setting incentive levels. In our experience, the most important...

AI summary The text argues that incremental cost is the primary threshold for setting incentive levels in energy efficiency programs, except for low-income programs where higher incentives may be necessary. When standard practices are absent, incremental cost equals total project cost. Examples include insulation and thermostats. Incremental cost is generally easy to apply, though project costs may be used as a proxy when estimation is difficult.

April 27, 2017 Doreen Friis Regulatory Affairs Officer/Clerk Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board 1601 Lower Water Street, 3rd Floor P.O. Box 1692, Unit "M" Halifax, NS B3J 3S3 Re: M07544 ‐ EfficiencyOne (E1) ‐ Incentive Setting Methodolog...

AI summary NS Power provides feedback on EfficiencyOne's revised incentive methodology, highlighting gaps in non-financial incentives, jurisdictional comparisons implying E1's advanced stage, lack of low-income focus, and questioning incentives for short-payback projects. They recommend optimizing the DSM plan using study findings.

- 3- The CLEAResult report does not discuss how to set incentives for low-income programs. The report acknowledges that the retail price of electricity has increased 70 percent in the past ten years, and that it is important to understand...

AI summary The CLEAResult report is criticized for not addressing low-income program incentives, affordability concerns, and budget allocation. It acknowledges rising electricity prices and suggests using PCT and PAC cost-effectiveness tests to determine incentive ranges. Budget allocation should prioritize programs with the highest kWh reduction per dollar spent, while ENS's role in customer education could reduce ratepayer-funded incentives.

e a lower cap on incentives, other than perhaps for certain exceptional low income measures. If the measure has any value to the customer through energy savings, there should be no reason to pay 100%. EfficiencyOne has agreed to conduct a...

AI summary The document discusses incentive caps for energy efficiency measures, with EfficiencyOne agreeing to a two-year financial simulation (2017-2018) on existing incentives. The Industrial Group urges an earlier initial simulation by June 30, 2017, to allow mid-course adjustments. CLEAResult's best practices for cost-effective testing are cited, including measure-level screening and temporary exceptions for low-income or emergency measures. The Industrial Group supports limited inclusion of non-cost-effective measures in exceptional cases.

fective measures to be included in portfolios should the measure require temporary cost effectiveness relief, should it be an emerging measure which aligns with policy goals or should the measures be targeted for a specific priority sector...

AI summary The text discusses the inclusion of effective measures in portfolios, considering temporary cost effectiveness relief, emerging measures aligned with policy goals, and targeting specific priority sectors such as low income. It also addresses the use of appropriate cost effectiveness tests and the use of average or weighted average costs of energy to determine avoided costs.

ENS's DSM portfolio currently does not feature an electricity DSM program exclusively directed towards the low income sector. However, there are plans for an energy efficiency incentive offering to this sector. CLEAResult has included a su...

AI summary Efficiency Nova Scotia (ENS) currently lacks an electricity DSM program exclusively for low-income residents, but plans are in place for an energy efficiency incentive program. A pilot program is proposed to support efficiency improvements in low-income multi-unit buildings, including building-wide upgrades, audits, and rebates. The program will be modeled after the SBES delivery model and will address limitations in current funding caps.

Figure 23: Union Gas Targets & Performance Metric[s](#page-125-0) 4 Resource Acquisition Scorecard Evaluation $ 35,000 $ 35,000 $ 35,000 $ 35,000 $ 35,000 $ 175,000 Administrative costs $ 215,000 $ 210,000 $ 215,000 $ 215,000 $ 215,000 $ 1...

AI summary The document presents a detailed breakdown of Union Gas's targets and performance metrics, including budget allocations for various programs such as Home Weatherization, Furnace End-of-Life, and Multi-Family initiatives. It outlines administrative costs, evaluation expenses, and program-specific funding for low-income initiatives.

Cost Effectiveness Requirements The gas utilities' overall DSM goals are to achieve all the cost-effective DSM available in its market. The OEB determined that cost effectiveness should be based on the Total Resource Cost-plus (TRC-plus) t...

AI summary Gas utilities in Nova Scotia must achieve all cost-effective Demand Side Management (DSM) programs. The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) mandates the Total Resource Cost-plus (TRC-plus) test for cost-effectiveness, with low-income programs requiring a minimum TRC-plus ratio of 0.7 and Resource Acquisition programs requiring 1.0. Market transformation programs are exempt from cost-effectiveness testing as they aim to drive behavioral change.

EXISTING MAIN PROGRAMS – UNION GAS [4](#page-125-1) Program Area Program Name Description Incentives Links Home Weatherization Program provides low-income qualified residential customers with a home energy assessment and weatherization at...

AI summary This section outlines two existing programs by Union Gas aimed at assisting low-income and Aboriginal customers with energy efficiency improvements. The Home Weatherization program provides free home energy assessments and weatherization services, while the Aboriginal program offers free natural gas energy efficiency measures and financial incentives for furnace upgrades.

COST EFFECTIVENESS REQUIREMENTS Total Resource Cost (TRC) is used by BC Hydro and the BCUC at the program level to evaluate performance. Programs must have a TRC of 1.0 or greater. There is an expectation of low-income programs. Internally...

AI summary BC Hydro and BCUC require programs to meet a Total Resource Cost (TRC) threshold of 1.0 or higher. Low-income programs are expected, and internal cost-effectiveness tests include utility cost and ratepayer impact measures.

- 4. Net Levelized cost ($/kWh)1 = PV (costs all benefits except for electric energy benefits) / PV (energy savings) Benefits Costs Low Income Program6 The Low Income Program provides some low-cost energy savings measures that can easily b...

AI summary The text discusses the Net Levelized Cost formula and outlines two programs: the Low Income Program, which provides free energy-saving measures for low-income households, and the Appliances and Electronics program, which encourages the purchase of ENERGY STAR compliant appliances.

KEY PLAYERS

AI summary The 'KEY PLAYERS' section lists organizations, programs, and regulatory bodies involved in energy efficiency, utility regulation, and demand-side management in Nova Scotia and other regions. It includes acronyms for entities such as the Utility and Review Board, Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation, and various energy efficiency initiatives and methodologies.

Figure 63: Electric Program Expenditures 2015 [12](#page-198-0) Program Incentive Delivery Total Business Incentive Program Electric Measures $15,642,304 $1,520,601 $17,162,905 Large Customer Program Electric Measures $6,439,194 $544,245 $...

AI summary Figure 63 presents a breakdown of electric program expenditures in 2015, detailing incentive, delivery, and total costs for various programs, including business incentives, consumer products, home energy savings, and low-income initiatives. It also includes expenditures related to natural gas and other fuels measures.

NATIONAL GRID – UTILITY OVERVIEW

AI summary The document provides an overview of National Grid's utility operations in Nova Scotia, referencing regulatory frameworks, energy efficiency programs, and related acronyms. Key entities include Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (URB), Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation (ENSC), and various energy efficiency initiatives.

National Grid 2013-2015 Savings and Expenditure Sector Savings (MWh) Total Expenditure ($) Incentive Expenditure ($) Residential 805,157 $290,842,401 $222,323,354 Low Income 58,040 $85,604,742 $68,824,752 Commercial & Industrial 919,015 $3...

AI summary The table presents National Grid's energy savings and expenditures from 2013 to 2015, categorized by sector (Residential, Low Income, Commercial & Industrial). It also outlines the incentive to total program spending ratios and spending per kWh ratios for each sector.

High Level Specifications

AI summary The document provides a list of acronyms and their expansions related to energy efficiency, regulatory proceedings, and utility management in Nova Scotia and other jurisdictions. It serves as a reference for terminology used in regulatory analyses and proceedings.

Low Income Program Plans ENS's DSM portfolio currently does not feature an electricity DSM program exclusively directed towards the low income sector. However, there are plans for an energy efficiency incentive offering to this sector. CLE...

AI summary Efficiency Nova Scotia (ENS) plans to develop a low-income electricity demand-side management (DSM) program, modeled after SBES, to provide building-wide energy efficiency upgrades for affordable rental housing. The pilot would remove SBES's 350,000 kWh cap and include 100% audit coverage with rebates for insulation, HVAC, and other measures, while implementing funding caps at the landlord and project levels.

Figure 19: TRC Ratio in 2012-2013 by Programs 3 Program Category TRC Ratio (2012) TRC Ratio (2013) Union Gas 3.91 3.83 Residential 5.07 4.4 Commercial/Industrial 3.07 2.01 Low-Income 1.32 0.77 Large Volume 6.33 8.74 Optimum Home N/A N/A CU...

AI summary Figure 19 presents the TRC Ratio for various program categories in 2012 and 2013, highlighting variations across Union Gas, Residential, Commercial/Industrial, Low-Income, Large Volume, and Optimum Home programs. The data shows changes in the TRC Ratio over the two years, with some categories showing significant decreases and others increases.

Figure 23: Union Gas Targets & Performance Metrics 4 Resource Acquisition Scorecard Evaluation $ 220,128 $ 213,015 $ 225,948 $ 244,982 263,008 67,082 Administrative costs $ 1,432,342 $ 1,431,826 $ 1,431,000 $ 1,430,737 430,480 56,391 Low I...

AI summary The text presents a table with financial data related to Union Gas's targets and performance metrics, including various categories like evaluation costs, administrative costs, low-income programs, large volume programs, and market transformation initiatives. The table includes figures, targets, and overhead costs associated with these programs.

EXISTING MAIN PROGRAMS – UNION GAS 4 Pr Ar og ra m ea Pr Na De ip io t og ra m m e sc r n In ive t ce n s ks L in Home Weatherization Program provides low-income qualified residential customers with a home energy assessment and weatherizat...

AI summary The Home Weatherization program offers low-income residential customers free home energy assessments, insulation, water-saving products, and programmable thermostats. The program aims to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs for eligible households.

COST EFFECTIVENESS REQUIREMENTS Total Resource Cost (TRC) is used by BC Hydro and the BCUC at the program level to evaluate performance. Programs must have a TRC of 1.0 or greater. There is an expectation of low-income programs. Internally...

AI summary BC Hydro and BCUC require programs to have a Total Resource Cost (TRC) of 1.0 or higher for evaluation. Low-income program expectations and internal cost-effectiveness tests like utility cost and ratepayer impact measures are also applied.

- 4. Net Levelized cost ($/kWh)1 = PV (costs all benefits except for electric energy benefits) / PV (energy savings) Benefits Costs Low Income Program 6 The Low Income Program provides some low-cost energy savings measures that can easily...

AI summary The document outlines two programs aimed at promoting energy efficiency. The Low Income Program offers free energy-saving measures to low-income households, while the Appliances and Electronics program encourages the purchase of ENERGY STAR compliant appliances and electronics.

Figure 63: Electric Program Expenditures 2015 12 Program Incentive Delivery Total Business Incentive Program Electric Measures $15,642,304 $1,520,601 $17,162,905 Large Customer Program Electric Measures $6,439,194 $544,245 $6,983,439 Small...

AI summary Figure 63 outlines electric program expenditures in 2015, detailing incentive, delivery, and total costs for various programs such as the Business Incentive Program, Home Energy Savings Program, and Low-Income Direct Install Initiative. It also includes expenditures related to natural gas and other fuels measures.

MASSACHUSETTS ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM INCENTIVE AND COST EFFECTIVENESS POLICY Massachusetts is viewed as one of the leading jurisdictions for promoting energy efficiency in North America. It is ranked as the #1 jurisdiction in ACEEE's 20...

AI summary Massachusetts leads in energy efficiency, mandated by the Green Communities Act requiring utilities to prioritize cost-effective programs. The 2016-2018 plan targets 4,122 GWh savings with a $1.96B budget, funded via charges, capacity markets, cap-and-trade, and surcharges. 10% of budgets must address low-income sectors.

NATIONAL GRID CORE PROGRAM OFFERINGS (RESIDENTIAL AND BUSINESS) Program Name Program Area Program Measures Links No Cost Home Energy Assessments Residential and Low Income For homeowners of 1-to-4 unit homes For landlords of 1-to-4 unit ho...

AI summary The document outlines National Grid's core program offerings for residential and business customers, including no-cost home energy assessments, lighting and appliance incentives, and heating and cooling rebates. These programs aim to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs for eligible participants.