Topic:"Program Evaluation" in M12290

3. QUARTERLY HIGHLIGHTS - This section provides results on program participation, unit cost data, and DSM expenditures for - the Q1 period. 2025 rate class allocations and year-to-date rate class results by program are - provided in Attach...

AI summary This section outlines Q1 results for program participation, unit cost data, and DSM expenditures. It references Attachment 1 containing 2025 rate class allocations and year-to-date program performance metrics.

3.1 Participation - Q1 participation results are provided in [Table 3](#page-10-0) as compared to the projected participation - uptake in the 2025 Plan as Approved. Results provide insight into current trends within program - components. -...

AI summary Q1 participation results show high uptake in Instant Savings and progress toward targets for Affordable Single-family Homes, while Custom program participation was low but expected to rise later in 2025. Demand Response season participation data is pending Q2 reporting. Performance aligns with the 2025 Plan as Approved.

3.2 Unit Cost - Unit cost data is a calculation output of E1's investment and savings over a defined time period. - Factors that influence unit cost results typically include: - the level of participation in a program or program component;...

AI summary Unit cost calculations for E1's programs are influenced by participation levels, measure mix, and changes in savings/costs. The 2025 year-end forecast unit cost increased to $0.44/kWh compared to the approved plan's $0.38/kWh, attributed to shifting focus from low-cost lighting to complex markets. Residential programs saw higher costs, while BNI programs decreased slightly. The analysis references E1's 2026 DSM Extension application.

3.3 Year-to-Date Expenditures - [Figure 1](#page-13-1) presents a breakdown, by category, of E1's expenditures year-to-date. Expenditure - results for Q1 2025 are $15.4 million. - There were no reported expenditures in Q1 for evaluation an...

AI summary E1's year-to-date expenditures are detailed, with Q1 2025 spending at $15.4 million. No expenditures were reported in Q1 for evaluation and verification activities as planning for these activities began in Q2.

4. RESIDENTIAL SECTOR - E1's Residential sector consists of the following two programs: - Efficient Product Rebates; and - Existing Residential - Note: The New Home Construction program component under the New Residential program, - ended...

AI summary E1's Residential sector includes Efficient Product Rebates and Existing Residential programs. The New Home Construction component ended in 2023. Q1 achieved 23.0 GWh energy savings and 2.2 MW peak demand savings, but E1 expects to miss 2025 targets (71.6 GWh/11.3 MW) due to approved investment limits, though three-year targets may still be met. Tables 5 and 6 detail Q1 program highlights and forecast changes.

1 Table 5: Residential Efficient Product Rebates RESIDENTIAL EFFICIENT PRODUCT REBATES (2025) Residential Efficient Product Rebates Energy Savings (GWh) Demand Savings (MW) Expenditure ($ million) Unit Cost ($/kWh) 2025 Plan as Approved 10...

AI summary Residential Efficient Product Rebates in 2025 show higher energy savings (13.4 GWh forecast vs. 10.9 GWh approved) due to strong Instant Savings program performance. Demand savings (0.4 MW) and expenditures ($2.7M) are lower than approved targets, driven by product mix shifts (e.g., low-demand-saving items) and program changes like Appliance Retirement ending in 2025.

Appliance Retirement Highlights - Appliance Retirement ended as of January 8, 2025, following a review of the program component precipitated by rising delivery costs and declining savings from increasingly newer and more efficient units be...

AI summary Appliance Retirement ended on January 8, 2025, due to rising delivery costs, declining savings from retiring newer efficient units, and limited service providers in Canada. E1 redirected appliance disposal to local waste management post-termination. Savings are claimed under other programs, with DSM funds covering non-electrically heated home appliance replacements.

Instant Savings Highlights - As of January 1, 2025, the Instant Savings program component no longer offers rebates for dehumidifiers, and LED bulbs, fixtures, and recessed downlights. Dehumidifiers have reached baseline efficiency (non-ene...

AI summary As of January 1, 2025, the Instant Savings program no longer offers rebates for dehumidifiers, LED bulbs, and certain lighting products due to updated efficiency baselines. The program now provides year-round rebates. Q1 energy savings were strong, driven by retailer sales of outdoor timers and smart thermostats in November and December 2024.

EXISTING RESIDENTIAL (2025) biomass in Green Heat; LED lighting, air sealing measures, and water-saving measures in Efficient Product Installation) are now generating less opportunity and fewer savings, and transitions are being made withi...

AI summary The existing residential program (2025) indicates that biomass in Green Heat and measures in Efficient Product Installation are generating fewer savings, prompting transitions within those components due to reduced opportunities.

Affordable Single-family Homes Highlights - Affordable Single-family Housing's energy and demand savings results were strong in Q1, and the program component is on track to meet both 2025 Plan as Approved targets. - As of Q1, participants...

AI summary Affordable Single-family Housing program achieved strong energy and demand savings in Q1, meeting 2025 targets. Participants now complete the program in two stages: building envelope upgrades and heat pump installations, improving cycle times through E1's partner network.

Green Heat Highlights - Green Heat continued to experience low participation in Q1, consistent with a trend seen in both 2023 and 2024 as uptake of the most popular measure in the program component (heat pumps) continued to be impacted by...

AI summary Green Heat program in Nova Scotia saw low participation in Q1 2025, influenced by the Canada Greener Homes Grant. Mini-split heat pumps and biomass systems faced reduced savings estimates. Solar thermal and biomass inserts will be removed from the program due to low uptake and high costs.

Home Energy Assessment Highlights - In Q1, Home Energy Assessment energy and demand savings were lower than the same quarter in 2024, as expected following the announcement in Q1 2024 that the Canada Greener Homes Grant (which E1 co-delive...

AI summary Energy and demand savings from Home Energy Assessments in Q1 2025 were lower than Q1 2024 due to the end of the Canada Greener Homes Grant. Savings will continue to decline as eligible participants decrease throughout 2025.

Mi'kmaw Home Energy Efficiency Project Highlights - In the Mi'kmaw Home Energy Efficiency Project program component, a large portion of projects initiated in 2024 closed in Q1, with the remainder expected to close in Q2. - In Q1, Mi'kmaw c...

AI summary The Mi'kmaw Home Energy Efficiency Project saw many 2024 initiatives close in Q1, with remaining projects expected to close in Q2. Enrollment for 2025 began in Q1, prompting contract updates and material preparation. E1 is developing a 2024 Impact Report, to be released in Q2 in both English and Mi'kmaw.

2 5. BUSINESS, NON-PROFIT AND INSTITUTIONAL (BNI) SECTOR - 3 The BNI sector consists of the following three programs: - 4 Efficient Product Rebates; - 5 Custom Incentives; and - 6 Direct Installation. 8 M12186 E1 2024 DSM Annual Progress R...

AI summary The BNI sector includes three programs: Efficient Product Rebates, Custom Incentives, and Direct Installation. E1 employs 31 Energy Managers, six partially funded by DSM. Q1 achieved 18.1 GWh energy savings and 2.8 MW peak demand savings, with E1 expecting to meet 2025 targets of 77.9 GWh and 15.0 MW. Variances in program performance are noted for BNI Efficient Product Rebates and other programs.

7 Table 8: Custom Incentives CUSTOM INCENTIVES (2025) Custom Incentives Energy Savings (GWh) Demand Savings (MW) Expenditure ($ million) Unit Cost ($/kWh) 2025 Plan as Approved 26.8 5.1 8.6 0.32 2025 Year-end forecast 43.6 7.3 9.9 0.23 Q1...

AI summary Table 8 presents the performance of Custom Incentives in 2025, showing that energy and demand savings are expected to exceed the 2025 Plan as Approved targets due to high-savings projects closing during the year. The 2025 Year-end forecast indicates higher energy and demand savings compared to the approved plan.

Program Components - The Custom program component provides large business, non-profit and institutional participants with technical assistance and financial incentives to help reduce electricity consumption and demand and includes four ser...

AI summary The Custom program component offers technical assistance and financial incentives to large businesses, non-profits, and institutions to reduce electricity use, including Retrofit, Building Optimization, Pay-for-Performance, and New Construction services. Strategic Energy Management focuses on operational changes for energy efficiency, merged with Energy Management Information Systems under the 2023-2025 DSM Plan.

Strategic Energy Management Highlights - Strategic Energy Management supported 13 customers in Q1, after recruiting one new customer into the program in Q4 2024. - There were no savings claims in Q1, and most savings claims for the program...

AI summary Strategic Energy Management supported 13 customers in Q1, with no savings claims reported. The procurement process concluded, and the same service provider since 2018 will continue under a new agreement effective Q2. Most savings claims are anticipated in Q4.

Program Component • The Direct Installation program is comprised of the Small Business Energy Solutions program component. Small Business Energy Solutions offers small businesses incentives and resources to encourage them to make energy ef...

AI summary The Direct Installation program includes the Small Business Energy Solutions program, offering incentives for energy-efficient upgrades. Participants can choose between an audit or DIY path, with contractors from the Efficiency Preferred Partner Network or their own choice.

Small Business Energy Solutions Highlights - Energy and demand savings achieved by Small Business Energy Solutions in Q1 were consistent with the same quarter in 2024. - The number of program applications in Q1 remained strong and consiste...

AI summary Small Business Energy Solutions achieved consistent energy and demand savings in Q1 compared to Q1 2024. Program applications remained strong, following Q2 2024 changes: eligibility cap increased from 350,000 to 600,000 kWh annually, preapproval window extended from 120 to 180 days, and unitary incentives raised across measures.

6 6. DEMAND RESPONSE - 7 E1 launched its Demand Response program in 2023, an initiative outlined in the 2023-2025 Plan - 8 with a Performance Target of 17.9 MW. It is delivered through the Residential and BNI sector - 9 Demand Response pro...

AI summary EfficiencyOne (E1) launched a Demand Response program in 2023 with a 17.9 MW target, delivered via Residential and BNI sectors. The 2024/2025 season includes Commercial & Industrial Aggregator and Eco Shift pathways with specific devices. E1 projects it may not meet its 2023-2025 available capacity target.

Demand Response Residential Highlights - Preliminary available capacity and participation results for the Residential Demand Response program component during the 2024/2025 season (December 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025) are still being com...

AI summary Preliminary results for the Residential Demand Response program (2024/2025 season) are pending, with reporting expected in Q2. The Eco Shift pilot continues with devices like smart thermostats and EV chargers. Domestic hot water controllers, paused in 2023/2024, resumed in 2024/2025 with 1,328 installations via the Efficient Product Installation program.

Demand Response BNI Highlights - Preliminary available capacity and participation results for the BNI Demand Response program component during the 2024/2025 season (December 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025) are still being compiled and are ex...

AI summary Preliminary results for the BNI Demand Response program (2024/2025 season) are pending Q2 reporting. NS Power conducted eight events, with stronger morning performance. Post-program focus shifts to recruiting high-performing participants for the 2025/2026 season.

2 7. INCENTIVE REPORTING - 3 In the NSUARB's Decision on the 2023-2025 DSM Plan, E1 was directed to "identify any instances - 4 where E1 has adjusted the per unit incentive amount for a measure by more than 10% from the - 5 amount included...

AI summary E1 adjusted per-unit incentive amounts for several programs by over 10% from its resource plan, as directed by the NSUARB's 2023-2025 DSM Plan decision. Changes include reduced incentives for LED fixtures and alignment with outdoor motion sensor rebates, citing revised energy savings from the 2024 DSM Program Evaluation. Specific programs affected include Instant Savings, Residential Demand Response, and Green Heat.

Research - Quarterly tracking of quality assurance, participant satisfaction, and other attitudinal metrics among Nova Scotia households was completed to help E1 respond to changing market conditions. - A public perceptions study on the Ef...

AI summary Research activities included tracking quality assurance and participant satisfaction metrics for Nova Scotia households, a public perceptions study on the Efficient Product Installation program with Narrative Research, and surveys of Efficiency Preferred Partner network members and Mi'kmaw Home Energy Efficiency Project housing managers.

Regulatory Affairs E1 filed the following reports with the NSUARB: - Responses to NSUARB Information Requests regarding E1's Residential Behaviour program component - Responses to NSUARB Information Requests on E1's Q3 2024 DSM Report - 20...

AI summary E1 submitted multiple reports to the NSUARB, including DSM evaluations and progress updates. Engagement with the DSM Advisory Group (DSMAG) focused on DSM planning, including the 2026 DSM Extension. The Nova Scotia government introduced legislation to extend E1's DSM Plan by one year and establish a new five-year plan for 2027-2031.

10. CONCLUSION - At the end of Q1 2025, E1's year to date results were 41.1 GWh of net incremental energy savings, - 5.0 MW of net peak demand savings, and 1.7 GWh of net energy savings applicable to Affordable - Multi-family Housing, Affo...

AI summary E1 reported 41.1 GWh of net incremental energy savings, 5.0 MW peak demand savings, and 1.7 GWh energy savings for specific housing programs by Q1 2025, with a $15.4 million investment. Next quarterly results will be submitted to the Nova Scotia Energy Board on August 25, 2025.

1. 2025 RATE CLASS EXPENDITURES E1's 2025 year-end forecast expenditures by rate class is the sum of rate class allocations calculated by program component. For each program component, the spending by rate class percentages from the previo...

AI summary E1 forecasts 2025 rate class expenditures using historical spending trends from 2022-2024. Large general, small industrial, and municipal expenditures are projected to decrease due to lower participation in Demand Response and Custom Incentives programs, while medium and large industrial expenditures are expected to rise. Q1 2025 actual expenditures were 25% of the 2025 Plan as Approved.

1 2. 2025 RATE CLASS RESULTS BY PROGRAM - 2 Tables 2 through 6 provide a breakdown of net incremental energy and net peak demand - 3 savings, expenditures, and participation achieved year-to-date, by rate class within each - 4 program.

AI summary The document presents tables (2-6) detailing energy savings, expenditures, and participation by rate class within each program for 2025.

ATTACHMENT 2: UPDATE ON IMPLEMENTATION OF EVALUATION RECOMMENDATIONS Table 1: Update on Implementation of 2024 Evaluation Recommendations Table 2: Update on Implementation of 2023 Evaluation Recommendations

AI summary Attachment 2 provides updates on the implementation of 2023 and 2024 evaluation recommendations, though specific details are not included in the provided text. The document includes two tables summarizing progress on these recommendations.

Table 1 Update on Implementation of 2024 Evaluation Recommendations Year Evaluation/ Verification Recommendation Text Source Status Comments Expected Period of Completion

AI summary This document provides an update on the implementation of 2024 evaluation recommendations, tracking the status of each recommendation, its source, and expected completion period. It outlines the progress of various initiatives and actions taken to address the recommendations.