E-1Report
33 passages
ogram spending in order to adhere to the $173.0 million investment level for the 2023-2025 DSM Plan period. E1's Demand Response program forecast for the now concluded 2025 season (December 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025) is 7.2 MW of availa...
AI summary E1's Demand Response program underperformed in 2025, achieving 7.2 MW vs. a 17.9 MW target. Challenges since 2023 and variances requiring explanation are noted. The 2025 Plan as Approved, set by NSUARB, outlines investment and savings targets.
3. QUARTERLY HIGHLIGHTS - This section provides results on program participation, unit cost data, and DSM expenditures for - the Q2 period. 2025 rate class allocations and year-to-date rate class results by program are - provided in [Attac...
AI summary This section provides Q2 program participation results, unit cost data, and DSM expenditures. It also outlines 2025 rate class allocations and year-to-date results by program, with details in Attachment 1.
3.1 Participation - Q2 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 Participation in Nova Scotia energy efficiency programs shows mixed results. Affordable Multi-family Housing met 2025 targets despite lower savings from mini-split heat pumps. Business Energy Rebates saw strong uptake due to rebate increases. Green Heat participation remains low, leading to its 2025 phase-out. Appliance Retirement program concluded in January 2025, with no further participation changes.
1 4. RESIDENTIAL SECTOR - 2 E1's Residential sector consists of the following two programs: - 3 Efficient Product Rebates; and - 4 Existing Residential - 5 Note: The New Home Construction program component under the New Residential program...
AI summary E1's Residential sector includes Efficient Product Rebates and Existing Residential programs. The New Home Construction component ended in 2023. Q2 achieved 15.8 GWh energy savings and 3.9 MW peak demand savings, but E1 forecasts falling short of 2025 Plan targets, though expecting to meet three-year goals. Tables 5 and 6 detail program highlights and forecast adjustments.
19 4.1 Residential Efficient Product Rebates - 20 The Residential Efficient Product Rebates program consists of two program components: - 21 Instant Savings; and - 22 Appliance Retirement. (Note: Appliance Retirement ended on January 8, 20...
AI summary The Residential Efficient Product Rebates program includes two components: Instant Savings and Appliance Retirement, which ended on January 8, 2025. The program aims to promote residential energy efficiency through rebate incentives.
24 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 ($/kWh) 2025 Plan as Approved 1...
AI summary Table 5 compares 2025 Residential Efficient Product Rebates targets vs. forecasts. Energy savings exceed approved plans due to strong Q1 Instant Savings program results, while demand savings fall short due to higher uptake of low-demand-saving products. Expenditures are lower than planned due to program changes and lower-cost products.
11 Table 6: Existing Residential EXISTING RESIDENTIAL (2025) Existing Residential Energy Savings (GWh) Demand Savings (MW) Expenditure ($ million) Unit Cost ($/kWh) 2025 Plan as Approved 60.6 10.2 23.6 0.39 2025 Year-end forecast 36.8 10.0...
AI summary The 2025 forecast for Existing Residential energy savings falls below approved targets due to the paused Residential Behaviour program, impacted by NS Power's cybersecurity incident and lack of AMI data. Revised participant savings expectations further reduced energy savings.
Affordable Multi-family Housing Highlights - Affordable Multi-family Housing had a strong Q2, achieving 0.4 GWh in energy savings from 39 projects, but incentives and energy savings were, and will continue to be, impacted by: - o lower ene...
AI summary Affordable Multi-family Housing achieved 0.4 GWh in Q2 energy savings but faces challenges from reduced prescriptive mini-split heat pump savings and the end of provincial DSM incentive top-ups. The program team plans to address these issues through process improvements, faster project cycles, and a new marketing campaign to boost DSM project recruitment.
Affordable Single-family Homes Highlights - Q2 energy and demand savings were strong and year-to-date results are almost triple what they were at the same point last year, as projects get completed at a faster rate, and the program team co...
AI summary Q2 energy and demand savings exceeded expectations, with year-to-date results nearly tripling compared to the same period last year. Accelerated project completion and backlog reduction in the Affordable Single-Family Homes program contributed to this growth. The program transitioned to managing building envelope upgrades and heating system installations as separate projects in Q2.
Efficient Product Installation Highlights - Q2 energy and demand savings were consistent with Q1, as the program component began phasing out its traditional measure offerings (e.g. LED lamps and air-sealing measures) and prepared to focus...
AI summary Efficient Product Installation transitioned from traditional measures to electrician-installed options beginning July 2025, with 3,500 direct installations in Q2 supporting the Demand Response program's Eco Shift pilot. A Q3 marketing campaign and website updates were launched to promote these changes.
Green Heat Highlights - The Green Heat program component is in the process of being phased out due to a continued decline in participation and as E1 transitions to supporting homeowners through its more comprehensive rebate offerings. The...
AI summary The Green Heat program is being phased out due to declining participation and E1's transition to broader rebate programs. Applications must be submitted by December 31, 2025. Measures like wood stoves and solar thermal systems were removed from the program as of May 1, 2025, due to low uptake and minimal energy savings.
Mi'kmaw Home Energy Efficiency Project Highlights - A new cohort of participants was enrolled in Q2, representing the Mi'kmaw Home Energy Efficiency Project's eighth cohort since it was launched as a pilot in 2018 and then became a full Ex...
AI summary The Mi'kmaw Home Energy Efficiency Project enrolled a new cohort in Q2 2024, marking its eighth since 2018. E1 and partners are estimating unparticipated homes in Mi'kmaw communities to plan the program's final two years. E1 released the 2024 Impact Report, available in English and Mi'kmaw, on the Efficiency Nova Scotia website.
Residential Behaviour Highlights - Residential Behaviour achieved 2.3 GWh of energy savings in Q2, before the program component was paused indefinitely in May 2025 due to a cybersecurity incident at NS Power that has resulted in NS Power b...
AI summary Residential Behaviour achieved 2.3 GWh savings in Q2 before being paused indefinitely in May 2025 due to a NS Power cybersecurity incident blocking AMI data transfers to E1. E1 cannot generate customer reports or measure usage changes without the data, leading to uncertainty in program targets and year-end forecasts. E1 and NS Power are discussing system restoration timelines, but no firm dates exist yet.
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. 1 7 - 8 Energy Manager Placements - 9...
AI summary The BNI sector includes Efficient Product Rebates, Custom Incentives, and Direct Installation programs. E1's Energy Manager Placements contributed to DSM savings, with 20.5 GWh and 3.5 MW savings achieved in Q2 2025. E1 expects to meet 2025 energy savings targets but anticipates slightly lower demand savings than planned.
17 Table 7: BNI Efficient Product Rebates BNI EFFICIENT PRODUCT REBATES (2025) BNI Efficient Product Rebates Energy Savings (GWh) Demand Savings (MW) Expenditure ($ million) Unit Cost ($/kWh) 2025 Plan as Approved 38.5 7.2 8.4 0.22 2025 Ye...
AI summary Table 7 compares 2025 BNI Efficient Product Rebates performance against approved targets, showing lower energy/demand savings forecasts due to E1 managing spending within the $173 million 2023-2025 DSM Plan budget. Actual results for Q2 and YTD 2025 are reported, with strong early-year performance noted.
Business Energy Rebates Highlights - Business Energy Rebates had strong Q2 results in both Application Rebates and Instant Rebates services. At the same time, the program team focused on managing results within budget for the remainder of...
AI summary Business Energy Rebates reported strong Q2 results but implemented budget-focused changes for 2025, including reducing lighting rebates, halting commercial solar PV applications after April 30, 2025, and removing T8 LED measures. Changes were communicated to distributor partners and Efficiency Preferred Partner members.
7 Table 8: Custom Incentives CUSTOM INCENTIVES (2025) Custom Incentives Energy Savings (GWh) Demand Savings (MW) Expenditure ($ million) Unit Cost ($/kWh) 2025 Plan as Approved 26.8 5.1 8.6 0.32 2025 Year-end forecast 45.4 6.8 8.9 0.20 Q2...
AI summary Table 8 presents Custom Incentives data for 2025, showing energy and demand savings, expenditures, and unit costs. The 2025 Plan as Approved includes 26.8 GWh energy savings and $8.6M expenditure, while the year-end forecast projects higher savings at 45.4 GWh and lower unit costs. Actuals for Q2 and YTD 2025 show lower figures than the forecast.
CUSTOM INCENTIVES (2025) • As noted in the Q1 2025 DSM Report[8](#page-23-1) , Custom Incentives is forecast to exceed its 2025 Plan as Approved energy and demand savings targets, as several high-savings projects in the Custom program comp...
AI summary The Q1 2025 DSM Report indicates that Custom Incentives is projected to exceed its 2025 energy and demand savings targets due to high-savings projects in the program, similar to 2024 performance. This forecast is based on expected project closures during the year.
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 for large businesses, non-profits, and institutions to reduce electricity use through services like Retrofit and Building Optimization. Strategic Energy Management focuses on operational changes to enhance energy performance. E1 merged Energy Management Information Systems with Strategic Energy Management as part of the 2023-2025 DSM Plan.
Strategic Energy Management Highlights - Strategic Energy Management supported 12 customers in Q2, after one customer ended their engagement in the program component in Q1. One customer claimed savings in Q2, but most savings claims are ex...
AI summary Strategic Energy Management supported 12 customers in Q2, though one exited in Q1. Savings claims are anticipated in Q4. A new service provider contract began in Q2, with the same provider since 2018 continuing their role.
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 component, offering incentives for energy-efficient upgrades. Participants may choose between a no-charge audit or DIY path, with options to use Efficiency Preferred Partner Network contractors or self-selected providers.
Small Business Energy Solutions Highlights - Small Business Energy Solutions had a strong Q2, and year-to-date energy and demand savings are higher than at the same point last year, as expected following changes to the program component in...
AI summary Small Business Energy Solutions showed strong Q2 performance with higher energy and demand savings year-to-date, driven by 2024 program changes: increased eligibility cap (350,000 to 600,000 kWh annually), extended preapproval window (120 to 180 days), and higher unitary incentives. The program team is managing applications to stay within the 2025 Plan as Approved investment level.
3 6. DEMAND RESPONSE - 4 E1 launched its Demand Response program in 2023, an initiative outlined in the 2023-2025 Plan - 5 with a Performance Target of 17.9 MW. It is delivered through the Residential and BNI sector - 6 Demand Response pro...
AI summary E1 launched its Demand Response program in 2023 with a 17.9 MW target, delivered through Residential and BNI sectors. The 2024/2025 season includes Commercial/Industrial Aggregator and Residential Eco Shift pathways with specific devices. E1 will not meet its 2023-2025 Plan's capacity target, as highlighted in Table 10.
Residential Demand Response Highlights - The Residential Demand Response program component achieved 0.6 MW of available capacity during the 2024/2025 season (December 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025) through the Eco Shift pilot pathway, with...
AI summary The Residential Demand Response program achieved 0.6 MW of capacity in 2024/2025 through the Eco Shift pilot, but faced challenges like lower domestic hot water controller installations, slow EV telematics enrollment, and low battery participation. Installations increased in Q2 2025 via the Efficient Product Installation program.
BNI Demand Response Highlights - The BNI Demand Response program component achieved 6.6 MW during the 2024/2025 season (December 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025) through the Commercial and Industrial Aggregator pathway, with those results sti...
AI summary The BNI Demand Response program achieved 6.6 MW during the 2024/2025 season through the Commercial and Industrial Aggregator pathway, but results fell short of the 2025 Plan target. Eight events were called by NS Power, with factors like participant opt-outs and an unfavorable mix of morning and evening events contributing to lower capacity.
DEMAND RESPONSE (2025) • Outreach and recruitment for the 2025/2026 season continued in Q2, with a focus on engaging the highest-performing participants. 1
AI summary Outreach and recruitment for the 2025/2026 Demand Response program continued in Q2 with a focus on engaging high-performing participants, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance program effectiveness.
11 Table 13: Enabling Strategies ENABLING STRATEGIES (2025) 2025 Plan as 2025 Year-end Q2 Actual YTD Actual Approved forecast expenditures expenditures Enabling Strategies category expenditures expenditures ($ million) ($ million) ($ milli...
AI summary The 2025 forecast for Enabling Strategies shows increased spending, driven by Other Enabling Strategies including DSM Plan development, regulatory initiatives, and E1's BCA. Key projects include the 2026 DSM Extension and the 2027-2031 DSM Plan, with BCA filed on May 16, 2025.
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. - The Demand Response post-season surv...
AI summary Quarterly tracking of quality assurance, participant satisfaction, and attitudinal metrics among Nova Scotia households was conducted to help E1 adapt to market changes. The Demand Response post-season survey, completed by Narrative Research, is now being compiled.
Regulatory Affairs E1 filed the following reports with the Nova Scotia Energy Board: - 2024 E1 Financial Statements - 2024 Affiliate Code of Conduct Compliance Report and responses to Information Requests - 2026 DSM Extension Application a...
AI summary E1 submitted multiple regulatory filings to the Nova Scotia Energy Board, including financial statements, compliance reports, a DSM extension application, and a request for approval of a new BCA test for DSM plans. Engagement with stakeholders and the DSM Advisory Group focused on DSM extension and BCA methodologies. Ongoing activities include DSM evaluation and verification.
10. CONCLUSION - At the end of Q2 2025, E1's year-to-date results were 77.7 GWh of net incremental energy - savings, 12.6 MW of net peak demand savings, 3.5 GWh of net energy savings applicable to - Affordable Multi-family Housing, Afforda...
AI summary E1 reported 77.7 GWh of net incremental energy savings and 12.6 MW peak demand savings by Q2 2025, with investments totaling $32.8 million. Results include energy savings for affordable housing and the Mi'kmaw Home Energy Efficiency Project. The next quarterly report is due to stakeholders and the Nova Scotia Energy Board on November 25, 2025.
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 data from tables 2 through 6, which detail net incremental energy and peak demand savings, expenditures, and participation by rate class within each program as of 2025. These tables provide a year-to-date breakdown of program performance metrics.
ATTACHMENT 2: UPDATE ON IMPLEMENTATION OF EVALUATION RECOMMENDATIONS Table 1: Update on Implementation of 2024 Evaluation Recommendations
AI summary This attachment provides an update on the implementation of 2024 evaluation recommendations, focusing on progress and actions taken to address prior assessments. It includes a table outlining key initiatives and their status.
Table 1: Update on implementation of 2024 Evaluation Recommendations Year Evaluation Recommendation Source Comments Status 2024 Update the BNI DR Baseline Considerations document to properly address all situations encountered through the p...
AI summary The document outlines the implementation status of 2024 evaluation recommendations. The BNI DR Baseline Considerations document was updated in 2025 to address project review issues. E1 has implemented tracking dashboards to monitor participant wait times and program delivery satisfaction levels to improve performance and make necessary adjustments.