E-1EfficiencyOne Application - Revised Application see Exhibit E-43
21 passages
4.4 Performance Requirements Efficiency Nova Scotia retained Dunsky Energy Consulting to provide advice on a set of performance requirements that ENS should propose for the UARB's consideration in this Application. Dunsky was asked to cond...
AI summary Efficiency Nova Scotia (ENS) engaged Dunsky Energy Consulting to advise on performance requirements for Demand Side Management (DSM) programs, with a focus on metrics and targets for the Nova Scotia Utility and Ratepayer Board (UARB). Dunsky's report, attached as Appendix G, includes a jurisdictional scan showing over 80% of North American regions use energy savings and peak demand savings as primary performance metrics. Definitions for performance-related terms are provided.
4.2.2 Development of DSM Information Management and Program Execution Systems - Changes to enhance the customer experience through Programs 2.0 will require an information management system that can easily track and provide insight into al...
AI summary The development of DSM Information Management and Program Execution Systems aims to enhance customer experience, streamline reporting, and improve data tracking for ENS. The system will reduce processing time, minimize external consulting, and boost program uptake via database marketing, with investments continuing through 2016-2018.
Other Jurisdictions ENS retained Dunsky Energy Consulting to provide advice on a set of performance requirements that ENS should propose for the UARB's consideration in this Application. The Dunsky report, DSM Performance Indicators, is at...
AI summary Efficiency Nova Scotia (ENS) retained Dunsky Energy Consulting to advise on performance requirements for the Nova Scotia Utility and Ratepayer Board (UARB). The Dunsky report, 'DSM Performance Indicators' (Appendix G), recommends ENS propose UARB-approved performance targets including cumulative annual energy and peak demand savings over three years at the portfolio level.
3. Contract Price In the Supply Agreement, Section 4.2 states the Contract Price shall constitute full compensation for the Electricity Efficiency and Conservation Activities, and no additional compensation shall be payable to, arising out...
AI summary The Contract Price in the Supply Agreement covers full compensation for Electricity Efficiency and Conservation Activities without additional payments for losses or costs. ENS accepts cost risk and proposes a three-year term for deliverables. Surplus funds may be split between a reserve fund and NS Power. Flexibility in adjusting strategies is emphasized.
24 Research Questions. The next process evaluation should begin not at the level of official documents, the expectations of executive management and the mechanics of balanced scorecard and key performance indicators but with a practical an...
AI summary This section outlines research questions aimed at evaluating the practical functioning of ENSC, including how well it operates in real-world scenarios, the challenges faced by staff, the quality of service provided to customers, and the overall work environment and culture within the organization.
2.5.4 Utility Non-energy Benefits In addition to avoided energy and capacity costs, demand-side resources often are considered a lower risk option compared with many supply-side alternatives. By contrast with major supply infrastructure, d...
AI summary Demand-side resources are highlighted as lower-risk investments compared to supply-side alternatives due to their dispersed nature and reliability. They reduce fuel supply needs for fossil generators, mitigating market price volatility. These benefits are not typically addressed in traditional cost-effectiveness analyses of demand-side resources.
Approach Few regions have adopted a formal and publically available set of principles to guide their DSM plans. This is partly the result of the complexity of DSM itself which, for reasons we will explain below, does not lend itself well t...
AI summary The document outlines the complexity of Demand Side Management (DSM) and identifies four guiding principles for DSM plans: maximizing energy savings, optimizing net benefits, minimizing risk, and ensuring equitable access. It emphasizes balancing these goals with trade-offs and the need for diverse portfolios and sustained market presence.
and "discretionary" savings opportunities. 5 For example, a portfolio that is focused exclusively on market-driven opportunities may be vulnerable to exogenous events like economic downturns that slow the pace of new home starts or of comm...
AI summary The text emphasizes the importance of diversifying Demand Side Management (DSM) portfolios between market-driven and discretionary programs to mitigate risks from economic fluctuations. Over-reliance on either type can lead to missed savings opportunities during market changes, underscoring the need for a balanced approach to ensure long-term performance and stability.
SUMMARY SUMMARY& CONCLUSION & CONCLUSION The business of "selling" Demand-Side Management is not fundamentally different from most business ventures: when taking a long-term perspective, strategic planning involves balancing multiple objec...
AI summary Efficiency Nova Scotia (ENS) must balance multiple objectives in its Demand-Side Management (DSM) strategy, including maximizing short-term and long-term savings, minimizing costs, ensuring value, managing risks, preserving relationships, and ensuring broad access. A balanced approach is emphasized to achieve long-term success in DSM portfolio development.
2. TARGET PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
AI summary Section 2 outlines Target Performance Indicators (TPIs) for Nova Scotia's energy efficiency and demand-side management programs. It references regulatory bodies like the NSUARB, organizations such as NSPI and ENS, and programs including DSM and BER. Key themes involve performance metrics, program administration, and compliance with energy efficiency standards.
2.1. DEFINITIONS Several terms can be used in the context of evaluating program administrators' performance with respect to their mandate of delivering energy efficiency. The following will be used through this report: - Target Performance...
AI summary The document defines Target Performance Indicators (TPIs) and Other Performance Indicators (OPIs) for evaluating ENS' energy efficiency programs. TPIs measure progress against quantified targets, such as achieving 400 GWh of annual net savings, while OPIs provide additional metrics like customer satisfaction. The report focuses on selecting TPIs for ENS' first three-year plan, emphasizing annual tracking and independent verification by the UARB.
3.1. CHOICE OF CASE STUDIES For purposes of this study, we conducted a scan of target performance indicators used in ten jurisdictions across the U.S. and Canada. The selected regions were chosen using the following criteria: - Third-Party...
AI summary The study selected ten jurisdictions in the U.S. and Canada for case studies, focusing on regions with third-party DSM administrators and recognized DSM leaders. The criteria included regions using third-party PAs and those with performance incentive mechanisms, such as California and Ontario.
Highlights : - Nine of the ten jurisdictions have an energy savings metric and six of them also have a peak demand savings metric. Massachusetts is the only region that has not incorporated an energy savings performance target indicator pe...
AI summary The analysis compares energy efficiency performance metrics across jurisdictions, noting that most use energy and peak demand savings, while others incorporate cost, benefits, or local economic indicators. Massachusetts uses TRB instead of energy savings targets. Vermont, DC, and Oregon have unique approaches, with Oregon avoiding financial incentives. The 29 regions are categorized by complexity of performance evaluation, with 83% using simple metrics.
Total Resource Benefits (TRB) includes the lifetime value of saved electricity, non-electric fuels, water, and non-resource benefits (non-energy benefits, or NEBs). The Value metric measures the net benefits and is calculated as the TRB mi...
AI summary Total Resource Benefits (TRB) includes the lifetime value of saved electricity, non-electric fuels, water, and non-energy benefits. The Value metric is calculated as TRB minus Total Resource Costs. Massachusetts uses avoided costs to update performance goals and protect PAs from uncontrollable cost changes. Ex-ante estimates are used for non-energy benefits and useful lives of implemented measures.
3.4. TAKEAWAYS Returning to the four main categories of target performance indicators identified in Section 2, the chart below illustrates how each jurisdiction's target performance indicators align to the four categories of TPIs discussed...
AI summary Most regions prioritize energy savings and benefits in target performance indicators (TPIs), emphasizing simplicity and measurable metrics. Jurisdictions stress the need for transparent, independent measurement and verification (M&V) processes to ensure accuracy. Clear upfront definitions of performance metrics are highlighted as critical for program administrator planning.
Energy & Capacity - Energy savings: California and Wisconsin are the only two regions that have a formal lifecycle (lifetime) energy saving target. 4 All other regions track cumulative annual savings (over the Plan's duration). However, li...
AI summary The text compares energy saving methodologies across regions, noting California and Wisconsin as the only areas with formal lifecycle energy targets. Other regions track annual savings, though lifetime savings influence key metrics like Total Resource Benefits and Net Resource Benefits. Six regions have peak demand indicators, but only California measures lifetime savings, which impact performance metrics.
Costs and Benefits - Several metrics may be used to ensure effective use of program expenditures, the most frequently used being Total Resource Benefits (Hawaii, Massachusetts and Vermont), which focuses on the benefits side of the equatio...
AI summary The text discusses metrics like Total Resource Benefits (TRB) and Net Benefits used in regions such as Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Vermont to evaluate program expenditures. It highlights that TRB focuses on benefits, while Net Benefits considers both costs and benefits. Tracking total expenditure as a Target Performance Indicator (TPI) is also noted in Vermont, DC, and Ontario.
velopes. Clearly, performance of a plan whose savings will last 20 years beyond the plan period must be understood differently from a plan whose savings will cease 5 years after the end of the period. Cumulative lifetime energy savings hav...
AI summary The document recommends delaying the formal adoption of cumulative lifetime energy savings as a target performance indicator due to lack of prior reporting in Nova Scotia. Instead, Efficiency Nova Scotia (ENS) should develop a methodology to track estimated lifetime savings, report results annually as an Other Performance Indicator (OPI), and later propose it as a Target Performance Indicator (TPI) in its 2019-21 plan.
5. CONCLUSION The jurisdictional scan showed that a vast majority of North American jurisdictions reviewed (over 80%) have restrained their set of target performance indicators to energy and peak demand savings only. These regions have foc...
AI summary The jurisdictional scan indicates that most North American regions focus on energy and peak demand savings as target performance indicators due to their ease of measurement and established evaluation processes. The document recommends two primary TPIs, with a third to be added later, and suggests considering up to five additional OPIs for reporting purposes.
The table below summarizes our recommendations: Performance Indicator Target (TPI) Other (OPI) Note on metrics Cumulative Annual Electricity Savings GWh/yr (last year of plan) Cumulative Annual Peak Demand Savings MW (last year of plan) Cu...
AI summary The table outlines performance indicators for energy efficiency programs, including cumulative annual electricity and peak demand savings, lifetime electricity savings, and considerations for value and other factors. The document notes that one indicator should transition from an Other Performance Indicator (OPI) to a Target Performance Indicator (TPI) in the next three-year plan.
22. AUDIT AND INSPECTION - 22.1 EfficiencyOne shall, during the Term and for a period of thirty-six (36) months thereafter, keep accurate records of all EECA supplied to NSPI, as necessary to determine that the EECA was provided in accorda...
AI summary EfficiencyOne must maintain records of EECA compliance for 36 months post-term. NSPI may request UARB access to these records and inspect EECA implementation, with EfficiencyOne required to facilitate inspections. This outlines audit and inspection obligations under the agreement.
E-22014 Electricity Demand Side Management Plan Evaluation Reports
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1.2.4 Unitary Savings Review For all the evaluated programs where savings were established on a unitary basis, the Evaluator reviewed the savings presented in the tracking system. First, their consistency with the result of the previous ev...
AI summary The Evaluator reviewed unitary savings for programs like BER Instant Rebates and Green Heat, ensuring consistency with prior evaluations. Methods included using Technical Reference Manuals (TRMs) from other jurisdictions, product specifications, and survey data (e.g., Atlantic Quarterly Survey). Sampling popular products helped establish average properties for categories with diverse offerings.
1.2.5 Project Files Review For those programs whose savings were established based on custom calculations for each measure installed, the Evaluator reviewed savings for a sample of projects. To ensure the accuracy of the calculations used,...
AI summary The Evaluator reviewed project files for programs using custom calculations, verifying accuracy through documentation and on-site visits. Adjustments were made to equations/parameters, sometimes extrapolated to non-sampled projects. Custom Retrofit sub-components (EMIS, EBC) received only file reviews, with qualitative recommendations instead of adjustments.
1.2.6 Billing Calibration For 2014, ENSC collected actual energy consumption and demand data for the buildings which participated in Custom New Construction from 2011 to 2013 evaluations, and provided them to the Evaluator to make a compar...
AI summary ENSC collected actual energy data from 2011-2013 for Custom New Construction participants to compare with simulated figures. Seven projects were evaluated using IPMVP guidelines, but the small sample size and limited data prevented conclusive accuracy assessments of energy simulations.
2.3 Net-to-gross Ratio As shown in Tables 6 and 7 above, the interactive effects factors and NTGRs were applied to the gross savings impacts in order to estimate net savings impacts. NTGRs were established based on the levels of free-rider...
AI summary The document discusses the calculation of the Net-to-Gross Ratio (NTGR) for Energy Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation (ENSC) programs in 2014. It outlines the methodology used to estimate free-ridership and internal spillover effects, which were applied to gross savings impacts to determine net savings. The NTGR formula is provided, and exceptions for certain programs are noted.
2.6 Overall Performance In 2014, ENSC's program component portfolio achieved a total of 151.888 GWh in net energy savings and 27.077 MW in net peak demand savings at the generator. In addition to the savings generated by ENSC's DSM program...
AI summary In 2014, ENSC achieved its overall energy savings targets through a combination of successful program components and new initiatives. While some program components did not meet their individual goals, others like Custom Incentives and Energy Savings Actions made up for the shortfalls. ENSC has made significant improvements in program tracking, partner relationships, and education efforts. However, some savings calculation parameters were not updated as recommended.
Table 14: Recommendations for Residential Direct Install No. Recommendations RDI-R2. Follow up with DAs to identify the cause of entry errors. In 2014, the installation rates observed by the Evaluator during the on-site visits were general...
AI summary This recommendation highlights the need for ENSC to investigate entry errors by Delivery Agents (DAs) that led to discrepancies in installation rates observed during on-site visits in 2014, which significantly impacted the gross savings evaluation.
thoroughly and properly conducted. One element that explains why adjustments to peak demand savings were more significant is that the Evaluator changed some of the diversity factors estimated by ENSC. Moreover, when calculating the net ene...
AI summary The document discusses adjustments to peak demand savings, noting that changes in diversity factors by the Evaluator impacted the results. In 2014, Custom Retrofit achieved significant energy and peak demand savings, while EBC and EMIS contributed additional energy savings. Participant satisfaction with Custom Retrofit remained high, with most recommending it to others and expressing interest in future ENSC programs.
Table 18: Recommendations for Custom Retrofit No. Recommendations Custom-R1. Perform thorough M&V and document it in a complete report for every large project for which thorough M&V work is justified and required. The Evaluator has observe...
AI summary The text recommends thorough Measurement and Verification (M&V) for large energy efficiency projects, citing the need for complete reports following standard protocols like IPMVP, especially for projects receiving significant incentives. For smaller projects, a simplified summary of measurement methods and equations is suggested.
3.1 Follow-up on 2012 and 2013 Evaluation Report Recommendations This section reports on the progress made in acting on the recommendations made by the Evaluator in the 2012 and 2013 evaluation reports. The Evaluator follows up on recommen...
AI summary This section provides an update on the progress made in implementing recommendations from the 2012 and 2013 evaluation reports. A monitoring tool is used to track the implementation status of each recommendation, ensuring transparency and accountability in following through on the evaluator's suggestions.
DEFINITIONS Base case A base case details the information on how assumed gross savings used in the tracking sheet have been established. Usually, these savings are calculated with a series of variables such as hours of operation, wattage o...
AI summary This section provides definitions related to energy efficiency programs and evaluations, including terms such as base case, billing calibration, distortion effects, gross and net energy savings, net-to-gross ratio, and tracked savings. These definitions support the evaluation and tracking of program outcomes.
- S5. Now, using the same 10 point scale, how satisfied are you with Efficiency Nova Scotia's overall performance in working with you? 2 2013 2014 Satisfaction with Overall Performance Sample Size Satisfied Sample Size Satisfied Responsive...
AI summary The text presents survey results measuring customer satisfaction with Efficiency Nova Scotia's performance, including responsiveness, appointment times, and perceived value of services. The data shows high satisfaction levels, with mean scores around 9.4 to 9.6 on a 10-point scale.
DEFINITIONS Accuracy Reflects the proximity of measurements to the true value. Bias Systematic deviations of measurements from the true value. Confidence interval The estimated range of values which is likely to include the unknown populat...
AI summary The document defines key terms related to energy efficiency program evaluation, including accuracy, bias, confidence intervals, free-ridership, distortion effects, and net energy savings. It outlines the methodology for evaluating program effectiveness and the factors influencing energy savings.
This Appendix summarizes all the recommendations made by the Evaluator throughout this report as well as the sections from which the recommendations originated. Sections Recommendations 3 Conduct a billing analysis to compare the pre-parti...
AI summary This appendix outlines recommendations for conducting a billing analysis to compare electricity consumption between treatment and control groups before program participation. It suggests analyzing socio-demographic data and electricity consumption trends over five years to determine if observed savings are attributable to the program.
3.2 Pilot Design and Evaluation Most incentives offered by energy efficiency programs are meant to offset part or all of the incremental cost of energy efficiency measures. If the participant does not have enough capital to pay for a measu...
AI summary The Evaluator recommends integrating Residential Financing into Green Heat, Solar, and HEA programs for evaluation purposes due to misleading distinctions. Issues with loan disbursement, including delays and misallocation, were reported but resolved by ENSC. Contractors and participants' satisfaction with the process and performance indicators should be monitored.
3.2 Follow-up on 2012 and 2013 Evaluation Report Recommendations This section reports on the progress made in acting on the recommendations made by the Evaluator in the 2012 and 2013 evaluation reports. The Evaluator follows up on recommen...
AI summary This section outlines the follow-up on recommendations from the 2012 and 2013 evaluation reports. The Evaluator assessed whether ENSC implemented the recommendations, using a monitoring tool to track progress. A partial evaluation in 2013 did not review the implementation status of the 2012 recommendations.
Recommendations Overall, the Econoler team believes that Custom Retrofit is working well and is achieving good energy savings. In addition to the general recommendations presented for all ENSC program components in the overall 2014 evaluat...
AI summary The Econoler team recommends thorough M&V reporting for large Custom Retrofit projects to ensure accurate energy savings documentation, citing current practices as insufficient for high-value incentives.
Table 4: Implementation Status of Recommendations in 2012 and 2013 Executive Summaries Recommendation Status 2012 Recommendation 2012 Custom-R1 Consider diverting or assigning a proportion of the simple lighting retrofit projects to other...
AI summary Table 4 outlines the implementation status of recommendations from 2012 and 2013 executive summaries, focusing on improvements in energy efficiency programs, such as retrofit projects, diversity factor calculations, and the use of measurement and verification (M&V) procedures. Many recommendations have been fully or partially implemented, with ongoing efforts in some areas.
Milestones The Milestones tab provides the amount of savings claimed at each step of the project. This tab is particularly useful for projects whose implementation period extends over more than one year. This is also where any subsequent s...
AI summary The Milestones tab tracks energy savings at various project stages, including meter and generator levels. It is especially useful for long-term projects and includes adjustments based on M&V. The Evaluator suggests adding clarity by specifying whether peak demand savings are at-the-meter or at-the-generator level.
5 IMPACT EVALUATION FOR CUSTOM RETROFIT The objective of the 2014 impact evaluation for Custom Retrofit was to determine the gross and net energy savings. Both electrical energy and peak demand savings were estimated by analyzing the follo...
AI summary The 2014 impact evaluation for Custom Retrofit aimed to assess gross and net energy savings by analyzing feasibility studies, M&V reports, on-site visits, and participant feedback, while considering factors like free-ridership and internal spillover.
Adjustments to Lighting Retrofit Projects The adjustment factors for lighting retrofits were determined through the analysis of the information obtained during the 10 on-site visits for lighting retrofit measures. The overall energy and pe...
AI summary Adjustments to lighting retrofit projects were determined based on 10 on-site visits, identifying discrepancies in operation hours, fixture counts, and interactive effects. Energy savings adjustment factor was set at 1.009, and peak demand ratio at 1.142. Recommendations include standardizing M&V plans and focusing verification on larger projects.
Adjustments to Other Custom Retrofit Projects The remaining Custom projects in the sample are classified as "other" Custom Retrofit projects for this report. The tracked savings for each project were adjusted using a similar methodology as...
AI summary The report discusses adjustments to energy and peak demand savings for 'other' Custom Retrofit projects, noting minor discrepancies in energy savings calculations and significant errors in documentation. An overall energy savings adjustment factor of 0.991 was applied, while a peak demand adjustment factor of 0.686 was used, influenced by differences in methods for estimating peak coincidence factors.
Continued success in the delivery of non-lighting Custom projects will require continued improvement to the application of M&V practices. In a number of cases, M&V activities were not summarized or documented in the DSMDS. More specificall...
AI summary The document highlights the need for improved M&V practices in non-lighting Custom projects, noting that only 13 out of 22 sampled projects included measurements. Savings for the 2014 Custom Retrofit are estimated at 21.279 GWh at the meter and 22.547 GWh at the generator, with peak demand savings of 1.619 MW and 1.716 MW respectively.
5.2.2 Internal Spillover For Custom Retrofit, internal spillover occurs when participants implement eligible energy efficiency measures under the influence of their previous participation in the program, yet without having any kind of addi...
AI summary The 2013 and 2014 evaluations of the Custom Retrofit program found minimal internal spillover, with only 1% identified in 2013 and no significant spillover in 2014. The Evaluator tested new methods, including a web-based survey for free-ridership, but it was not effective due to low response rates. An Embedded Energy Manager (EEM) was investigated for potential spillover, but no significant impact was found.
vings were calculated in both reports using baseline models that were not described in detail, and appeared to have been developed using relatively short monitoring periods (one month and two months). Since the verified savings must be der...
AI summary The EMIS documentation provides an overview of the energy management process and tracked savings but lacks detailed information necessary for savings validation. The Evaluator emphasizes the need for a thorough M&V procedure to ensure accurate and reliable savings estimation.
CONCLUSION The 2014 evaluation of Custom Retrofit demonstrated that most of the recommendations made in previous evaluations have been implemented. The Evaluator commends ENSC on its efforts in improving and optimizing Custom Retrofit. Amo...
AI summary The 2014 evaluation of Custom Retrofit showed that most previous recommendations were implemented, with improvements in project documentation and a shift of simple lighting projects to prescriptive programs. The evaluation found that 100 projects completed in 2014 generated good electrical savings. Savings were calculated using on-site visits and technical documentation, and the verification process was found to be thorough. Free-ridership increased slightly, but no internal spillover was detected. Participant satisfaction with the program remained high.
This Appendix presents all recommendations made by the Evaluator throughout the report as well as the sections from which the recommendations originated. Sections Recommendations Executive Summary 1 Perform thorough M&V and document it in...
AI summary The Evaluator recommends thorough M&V for large energy efficiency projects and suggests a simplified approach for smaller ones, emphasizing the need for accurate documentation to justify significant incentives.
6. Pre-Visit Assessment of the Project key observations fron main information to co report analysis. These no otes will serve on site to guide the visit and _ e Observations a on-site visit and indicate _ linas made on site. Tioport and I...
AI summary The text outlines a pre-visit assessment framework for a project, including key observations, spillover assessments, M&V post-implementation results, seasonal load profiles, and notes from M&V reports. The table format suggests a structured approach to evaluating project performance and outcomes.
4.1.1 Adjustment Methodology Nine on-site visits were conducted with the intent of confirming that the tracked savings recorded in the DSMDS were appropriate and accurate using a similar approach than the one used in 2013. The on-site visi...
AI summary The document outlines the adjustment methodology used to verify the accuracy of energy savings recorded in the DSMDS through on-site visits. Key factors considered include baseline assumptions, equipment specifications, installation rates, hours of operation, diversity factors, and M&V procedures for NCEM projects.
DEFINITIONS Accuracy Reflects the proximity of measurements to the true value. Bias Systematic deviations of measurements from the true value. Confidence interval The estimated range of values which is likely to include the unknown populat...
AI summary The document defines key terms related to energy efficiency program evaluation, including accuracy, bias, confidence intervals, free-ridership, gross and net energy savings, and interactive effects. These definitions are foundational for understanding how energy savings are measured and evaluated in regulatory contexts.
- j. The ability to provide estimates of the savings or return on investment associated with the program. Response 98 Don't Know 99 Refused S5. performance in working with your business? [CODE ONE ONLY] Now, using the same 10 point scale,...
AI summary The text discusses the ability to provide estimates of savings or return on investment for a program, with some survey responses indicating 'Don't Know' or 'Refused' as answers. It also includes survey questions about performance and satisfaction with Efficiency Nova Scotia's services.
E-8Evidence of Nova Scotia Power Inc.
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& lt;sup>10 E1 (NSPI) IR-14(a), March 27, 2015, page 1, lines 22-25. 11 Please refer to Appendix A, Direct Testimony of David Pickles, April 10, 2015, page 19, lines 13-20. assess the impacts, if any, which result if E1 is not able to clai...
AI summary E1 refused to provide data on the impact of not claiming ITCs and failed to compare DSM plans as requested by NS Power. NS Power criticized E1's use of flat load profiles instead of hourly 8760-hour DSM profiles, which contradicted the ELRAM model and the Final 8760 profile.
13 A. I find that: - 14 The program information provided by EfficiencyOne is insufficient for 15 regulatory approval and contract development, and I recommend that 16 EfficiencyOne be directed to provide additional information; - 17 The re...
AI summary The findings indicate that EfficiencyOne's program data lacks sufficiency, cost justification, and breadth. The board recommends enhanced data submission, broader program evaluation, alternative DSM portfolio analysis, improved reporting standards, and expanded performance targets. These issues require corrective action for regulatory approval.
12 Contractual, Reporting, and Approval Requirements - 14 Q. HAVE YOU REVIEWED EFFICIENCYONE'S PROPOSED "SUPPLY 15 AGREEMENT FOR ELECTRICITY ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND 16 CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES BETWEEN NOVA SCOTIA POWER 17 INCORPORATED AND EFF...
AI summary The reviewer evaluated EfficiencyOne's proposed agreement with Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSP), finding it lacking in oversight, detail, and alignment with industry standards. The proposal requires more frequent reporting, stricter performance standards, and reduced autonomy for EfficiencyOne to ensure program reliability and compliance. The reviewer recommends enhanced scope descriptions, approval processes, and remedies for underperformance.
- 22 Annual budget detail, including at least the following categories: 23 incentives (cash), incentives (free/discounted services), administration, 1 marketing, EM&V, QA/QC, application/incentive processing, IT, and 6 EfficiencyOne's uniq...
AI summary EfficiencyOne proposes an Annual Performance Report (APR) with detailed reporting requirements to support regulatory oversight. The report would include summaries of context, activities, and performance indicators, as well as management discussion and analysis of discrepancies. Additional data elements are recommended, including participation metrics, project pipelines, and energy savings by measure.
- 22 These indicators would be at the portfolio level, for informational purposes 23 only, and would not be used to formally assess performance. 1 2 Q. DO YOU BELIEVE THAT THE PROPOSED PERFORMANCE TARGETS 3 ARE SUFFICIENT? 4 A. No. I recom...
AI summary The respondent does not believe the proposed performance targets are sufficient, suggesting a one-year time horizon for energy and demand portfolio performance targets and adding annual spending as a performance target. They also recommend program-level reporting and customer satisfaction metrics.
3 Q. WHY ARE THESE MODIFICATIONS NECESSARY? 2 4 A. The shortening of time horizon to reflect annual savings achievement is 5 necessary because the three-year time horizon proposed does not permit 6 evaluation of EfficiencyOne's satisfactio...
AI summary Modifications are necessary to shorten the performance evaluation time horizon from three years to annual assessments, ensuring timely adjustments to EfficiencyOne's programs. Annual targets are more common and allow earlier intervention if performance thresholds are not met. Adding 'budget spend' as a target prevents fund misallocation, while program-level metrics ensure efficiency and equity. Failure to meet 90% of targets could trigger UARB review for contract termination.
Context and Limitations The unique nature of DSM programs (given utilities and program administrators with differing objectives, between individual programs within a single program administrator, between outwardly similar programs at diffe...
AI summary The text discusses challenges in evaluating Demand Side Management (DSM) programs due to differences in design, objectives, and metrics across utilities and program administrators. Variations in program structure, customer demographics, and regulatory environments complicate peer group analysis. Metrics remain unadjusted for factors like accounting practices and weather zones, limiting comprehensive comparisons.
63791Grant Thornton Report - Financing Demand Side Management
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onstrated capacity to fund the annual required payments to EfficiencyOne should an - external debt structure be pursued. - Key risk areas identified by the lending community included (i) the risk of investment overspending - by EfficiencyO...
AI summary The text outlines risks associated with financing EfficiencyOne through external debt. Key risks include overspending, failure to meet energy efficiency targets impacting NSPI's funding obligations, and potential non-payment by NSPI if the franchise agreement is revoked or DSM Plans are not approved by UARB.
- As the franchise holder, EfficiencyOne is considered to be a public utility in relation to these activities. - The supply of electricity efficiency and conservation activities will be administered by the Efficiency Nova Scotia franchise...
AI summary EfficiencyOne, as the franchise holder, administers electricity efficiency and conservation services with NSPI under a UARB-approved contract. The 2015 transition year had a $35M spending cap plus ENSC over-recovery. Amortization for 2015 costs was 8 years, but 2016+ periods remain undetermined. UARB sets performance requirements, and EfficiencyOne bears financial risks for DSM programs.
Summary of Consensus Agreement[5](#page-12-3) - On June 16, 2015, EfficiencyOne entered into an agreement ("Consensus Agreement") with Nova - Scotia Power Incorporated, Consumer Advocate, Small Business Advocate, Industrial Group, - Afford...
AI summary The Consensus Agreement (June 16, 2015) between EfficiencyOne, Nova Scotia Power Inc., and stakeholders establishes standardized filings, expedited recovery of funds for extraordinary circumstances, surplus returns to NSPI, multi-year performance targets, and collaboration on DSM cost models. UARB approval is required for key provisions.
- rating and demonstrated capacity to fund the annual required payments to EfficiencyOne should an external debt structure be pursued. - Key risk areas identified by the lending community included (i) the risk of investment overspending by...
AI summary The text outlines risks identified by lenders regarding EfficiencyOne's DSM Plan, including overspending, unmet energy efficiency targets, and NSPI's potential non-payment. Concerns include acrimonious negotiations between EfficiencyOne and NSPI, challenges in securing full financing, and reliance on UARB oversight for future DSM Plan approvals.
Summary of Consensus Agreement 5 On June 16, 2015, E1 entered into an agreement ("Consensus Agreement") with Nova Scotia Power Incorporated, Consumer Advocate, Small Business Advocate, Industrial Group, Affordable Energy Coalition, and Eco...
AI summary On June 16, 2015, EfficiencyOne (E1) and Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) entered a Consensus Agreement with stakeholders, establishing standardized DSM filings, performance targets, and collaborative cost model development. The agreement allows E1 to seek expedited UARB approval for unforeseen costs if mitigated, with surplus funds returned to NSPI. UARB's approval of both the Quantum and Consensus Agreements is pending, focusing on DSM investment levels and terms.