Topic:"Operating Expenses" in M09096

Escalation of avoided transmission and distribution costs In 2018 NS Power provided estimates of avoided transmission and distribution costs based on ACE Plan data for 2017. Since these are annual, not levelized values, EfficiencyOne appli...

AI summary In 2018, NS Power provided avoided transmission and distribution cost estimates based on 2017 ACE Plan data. EfficiencyOne applied these annual values to 2018 and assumed a 2.0% annual escalation rate for subsequent years.

9 4.1 OVERALL RATE IMPACTS 10 The general trend in rates, visible in all classes, is that the avoided costs and lost 11 revenues are approximately in balance throughout the life of DSM measures; this 12 means that DSM program cost recovery...

AI summary DSM program cost recovery drives rate impacts, with small (<1.7%) average rate increases across classes from 2020-2022. Avoided costs and lost revenues balance over DSM measures' lifetimes, but annual rate effects peak during 2020-2022 before nearing zero post-2022. Figures 2-4 illustrate average impacts, annual trends, and expenditure comparisons.

rences in parameters like hours of use, net-to-gross ratios, or heating and cooling degree days, but some may reflect different evaluation cycles and the use of potentially dated planning assumptions. - 1 Program Administrator Size . Econo...

AI summary The text discusses factors influencing the cost-effectiveness of Demand-Side Management (DSM) programs, including economies of scale from statewide implementation, administrative cost variations with program maturity, and the role of account management for Commercial and Industrial (C&I) customers in reducing incentive costs.

Through the annual program evaluation process, there are interviews conducted with select supply chain partners to understand their perspectives and suggestions for improvement. CLEAResult recommends that: For the Custom Program, Efficienc...

AI summary The document discusses the annual program evaluation process, emphasizing interviews with supply chain partners and recommendations for improving the Custom Program. CLEAResult suggests continuing current activities, implementing general principles, and expanding cost-effectiveness analysis to include Program Administrator Costs.

pass the TRC, so long as the program as a whole passes (NSUARB - Decision In The Matter of an Application by ENSC for Approval of its Electricity Demand Side Management Plan for 2012, 2011). The Terms of Reference of NSPI’s 2014 IRP specif...

AI summary The text discusses the Total Resource Cost (TRC) approach and how the Program Administrator Cost (PAC) test is used in evaluating Demand-Side Management (DSM) programs. It references the Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) process and legislation, including the Electricity Efficiency and Conservation Restructuring Act (2014), which aims to reduce costs for NSPI customers through energy efficiency initiatives.

Internal ETN Resources [ALL] 13. How adequate are the resources for the ETN given the services it is trying to provide to its members and other ENS staff? [ Probe about the staffing level if the respondent does not explicitly mention that...

AI summary The document examines the adequacy of the Efficiency Trade Network's (ETN) resources, including staffing, budget, and future needs for the 2018 funding cycle. It probes whether current resources constrain services, identifies gaps, and assesses potential changes for future cycles.

Information Sessions and Training Now I'd like to learn about any ENS-sponsored information sessions you've attended, training you received, or workshops you participated in. [ALL] - 8. Which ENS-sponsored info sessions, if any, have you a...

AI summary The document outlines a survey about ENS-sponsored information sessions and training programs, seeking feedback on attendance, learning sources, perceived value, and suggestions for future sessions. It focuses on ENS and ETN initiatives, including topics like Green Heat, Solar Homes, and procurement.

Effectiveness of Site Visit Practices and Procedures ENS staff and inspectors agree the programs conduct appropriate numbers of site visits and use appropriate sampling approaches. The ENS Evaluation Manager determines the number of QA sit...

AI summary ENS staff and inspectors agree current site visit practices are statistically valid, with random sampling and 'red flag' project inclusion. While most ENS managers don't yet use findings to plan future inspections, others use inspection data to adjust visit numbers. Alternative methods like desk inspections are suggested to reduce costs. Budgets are deemed sufficient but with staffing concerns. Improved customer communication could reduce visit refusals, and ENS staff seek better data aggregation for performance assessment.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL Request IR-05: Reference: 2020-2022 DSM Plan, page 59 of 62 The Use of Avoided Costs from the 2014 IRP in the Development of the 2020-2022 DSM Resource Plan. "Given that the 2014 Integrated Resource Plan represents the mos...

AI summary EfficiencyOne (E1) supports using 2014 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) avoided costs for the 2020-2022 DSM Resource Plan, citing NS Power's 2018 presentation on transmission/distribution costs. E1 includes these costs as conservative and justified, along with natural gas and water impacts based on utility rates due to unavailable true avoided cost data.

1 [E1's Evidence]

AI summary The document section titled 'E1's Evidence' is referenced, though no substantive content is provided in the text. Known acronyms include TRC, PAC, DSM, and WACC, which are relevant to regulatory proceedings involving cost tests and demand-side management.

1.4.1 Four Scenarios of Achievable Potential Four achievable potential scenarios were created. Each scenario is based on modifying the incentive level. Each measure has an estimated consumer payback elasticity based on calibration year est...

AI summary Four scenarios assess achievable potential by modifying incentive levels, affecting consumer payback ratios, administrative costs, consumer awareness, and the net-to-gross ratio. Higher incentives reduce administrative costs, increase awareness, and improve the net-to-gross ratio, while lower incentives have the opposite effects.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL b) For the proposed budget of $41.9 million of Preferred Plan for 2020, please provide EOne's best estimate of the DSM spending levels by rate class for direct program expenditures including cost for program delivery that...

AI summary The document requests EfficiencyOne's 2020 DSM spending estimates by rate class and administrative costs, referencing prior submissions to the SBA and Synapse. EfficiencyOne directs to previous responses for 2019 and 2020-2022 plans.

Request IR-31: - Refer to Page 6 of 37 of Appendix B, which states that EfficiencyOne applies "a - conservative escalation rate of 2.0 percent per year" to its avoided transmission and - distribution costs. What is this escalation rate bas...

AI summary EfficiencyOne uses a 2.0% annual escalation rate for avoided transmission and distribution costs, justified as reflecting the Bank of Canada's inflation target, after analyzing historical data showing higher rates over a short period.

Proposed Action Continue using 2.7% per year

AI summary The proposed action involves continuing the use of a 2.7% annual growth rate, likely related to cost or rate structures in a Nova Scotia regulatory proceeding. The text is brief, focusing on maintaining this percentage without additional context on rationale or implications.

2020-2022 Demand Side Management (DSM) Resource Plan (NSUARB M09096) NSPI Responses to Consumer Advocate Information Requests 1 Request IR-40: 2 3 "NS Power's ability and cost to avoid capacity remains uncertain in the next five to ten 4 y...

AI summary The document contains a response from Richard Levitan of Levitan & Associates, Inc., to information requests regarding NS Power's 2020-2022 Demand Side Management (DSM) Resource Plan. The response addresses questions about the definition of 'capacity' and operating reserve requirements, referring to other regulatory filings for further details.

1 4. HISTORICAL UNDERSPEND AND PLAN DELIVERY COSTS - 2 If the NSUARB approves the Consensus Agreement as filed, then it will not be necessary to make - 3 a determination as to the application of the 2016-2018 underspend. One issue that aro...

AI summary The document discusses EfficiencyOne's historical underspend in the 2016-2018 DSM Resource Plan, attributing surplus funds to delayed diversification beyond lighting. NS Power argues that EfficiencyOne can meet targets with lower spending, while EfficiencyOne projects 2019 costs align with forecasts and anticipates needing full $110M investment for the 2020-2022 DSM Plan under the Consensus Agreement.

Cost-Effectiveness To assess the cost-effectiveness of the 2020-2022 Preferred PlanDSM Resource Plan, EfficiencyOne used two industry standard screening tests: the TRC test and the Program Administrator Cost (PAC) test. The TRC was used as...

AI summary EfficiencyOne assessed the 2020-2022 DSM Resource Plan using TRC and PAC tests. TRC was mandated by NSUARB decision [5] requiring a TRC of 1 or greater. PAC test results, excluding voluntary contributions, were presented as supplementary cost-effectiveness analysis. Table 1 details sector-specific cost outcomes.

1.2.1 – Market Insights Gas HVAC systems are common Buildings currently under construction typically use natural gas boilers with hydronic baseboards, fan-coils or infloor heating, and that has been the case for at least the past 5 years....

AI summary Gas HVAC systems are prevalent in Nova Scotia due to existing infrastructure and lower operating costs, while electric VRF systems are viable in the region's climate. The rental market dominance influences system choices, with landlords preferring gas systems for lower operational expenses despite higher upfront costs.

3.1.3.1 – Operating Costs The operating costs consist of energy and maintenance costs. Energy Costs: Monthly results from the building energy modeling are coupled with energy rates in order to get monthly energy costs for the five systems....

AI summary Operating costs include energy costs based on Heritage Gas and E1 rates, with specific pricing for natural gas and electricity. Maintenance costs are estimated using EIA data, a Pacific Northwest National Laboratory study on VRF heat pumps, and professional judgment.

1. INTRODUCTION - EfficiencyOne, as the holder of the Efficiency Nova Scotia franchise, is responsible for the - development of Demand Side Management Resource Plans ("Plans") and their implementation. - EfficiencyOne recognizes the import...

AI summary EfficiencyOne, as the Efficiency Nova Scotia franchise holder, develops and implements Demand Side Management (DSM) Plans. Since 2012, it has met or exceeded NSUARB-approved performance targets for energy and peak demand savings while managing funds prudently. EfficiencyOne emphasizes cost control, internal oversight, and achieving targets without overspending to ensure ratepayer benefits.

− Efficiency Vermont : The Vermont Energy Investment Corporation (VEIC) runs Efficiency Vermont's DSM programs. Efficiency Vermont develops and provides the regulator with three-year DSM Plans, which also includes six-year outlook and 20-y...

AI summary Efficiency Vermont, managed by the Vermont Energy Investment Corporation (VEIC), develops three-year Demand Side Management (DSM) plans using in-house modeling tools. The plans include six-year and 20-year outlooks, with flexibility in fund allocation across markets. Budget underspend or overspend triggers specific regulatory processes, including potential refunds or carry-forward. Performance targets influence financial incentives or penalties.

− Efficiency Maine Trust : Efficiency Maine Trust is the administrator for DSM programs in Maine. The Trust is a quasi-state agency governed by a Board of Trustees with oversight from the Maine Public Utilities Commission. Efficiency Maine...

AI summary Efficiency Maine Trust administers DSM programs in Maine, developing three-year plans with in-house modeling and third-party input. They have funding reallocation flexibility, no penalties for unmet targets, and provide annual regulatory reports. Changes require regulator approval, with specific budget carry-forward rules outlined.

2016-2018 admin costs – model input approach by EfficiencyOne As identified by EfficiencyOne, admin costs are all other remaining costs after the incentive costs have been excluded. EfficiencyOne used the most recent audited full year of t...

AI summary EfficiencyOne calculated administrative costs for 2016-2018 by subtracting incentive costs from the 2013 CAM outputs and using first-year energy savings to derive an admin cost rate per kWh. Adjustments were made for two programs to reflect upcoming changes, with the model input approach based on NSUARB program-level data.