N-1Letter, Application and Evidence filed by NSPI 11/1/2010
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Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board IN THE MATTER OF The Public Utilities Act, R.S.N.S. 1989, c.380, as amended - and - IN THE MATTER OF Electricity Act, R.S.N.S., amended 2010, c. 14 ; Proposed Enhancements to NSPI's Net Metering Service...
AI summary This document outlines a regulatory proceeding under the Public Utilities Act and the Electricity Act, concerning proposed enhancements to NSPI's Net Metering Service, specifically Regulation 3.6.
Appendix A – Current Regulation 3.6 Appendix B – Proposed Regulation 3.6 Appendix C – Redlined Comparison of Regulation 3.6 Appendix D – Customer Comments Appendix E – NSPI Response to Customer Input
AI summary The document contains appendices related to Regulation 3.6, including current and proposed versions, a redlined comparison, customer comments, and NSPI's response to customer input.
1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2 - 3 By this Application, NSPI proposes an enhanced net metering service, in compliance - 4 with recent legislative changes to the Electricity Act . This Application is filed pursuant - 5 to Section 3A of the Electrici...
AI summary NSPI is applying for approval of an enhanced net metering service, in compliance with recent legislative changes to the Electricity Act. The proposed changes include expanded customer capacity, aggregated metering, and payment for annual excess self-generation. NSPI has engaged stakeholders and seeks a 90-day period for implementation after Board approval.
31 1 1.0 STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS 2 3 On May 11, 2010, Bill 64, An Act to Amend Chapter 25 of the Acts of 2004, the 4 Electricity Act (the Amended Electricity Act) received Royal Assent. On October 5 15, 2010, the bill was proclaimed in forc...
AI summary This section discusses the statutory requirements introduced by Bill 64, the Amended Electricity Act, which came into force in 2010. It outlines the enhancements to net metering programs, allowing customers to generate renewable electricity and sell excess electricity to the public utility at a rate equivalent to what they pay for electricity.
1 NSPI seeking alternate sources of generation which would require usage of 2 transmission assets can continue to rely on OATT services as designed in the 3 absence of direct competition from net metering. 4 5 Appendix B contains the propo...
AI summary NSPI is seeking alternate sources of generation and is relying on OATT services for transmission assets in the absence of direct competition from net metering. Appendix B contains the proposed amended Regulation 3.6, and a 'red-lined' version is provided in Appendix C.
1 6.0 CONCLUSION 2 3 Pursuant to its statutory obligation, NSPI herewith submits a revised draft 4 Regulation 3.6 proposing the enhancements to its existing Net Metering service. 5 NSPI submits that these changes are consistent with the re...
AI summary NSPI submits a revised draft of Regulation 3.6 to enhance its Net Metering service, aligning with the Amended Electricity Act . The changes are prompted by legislative updates requiring amendments to an existing UARB-approved regulation. NSPI conducted stakeholder consultation and requests a paper hearing process and a 90-day period before the regulation becomes effective.
3.6.6 Special Conditions - a) Special conditions in this regulation do not supersede, modify or nullify special conditions accompanying the otherwise-applicable metered rate schedules. - b) A Qualifying generating facility must meet the fo...
AI summary This section outlines special conditions for Net Metering service, including requirements for qualifying generating facilities, location constraints, compliance with safety standards, and responsibilities of the customer-generator. It also mentions grandfathering for existing net metering customers.
We also provided a paper copy of the draft revised Regulation 3.6 (NSPI's existing Net Metering regulation, with the changes that would be made to make it compliant with the Amended Electricity Act.) We wanted to offer you the same opportu...
AI summary The document discusses the draft revised Regulation 3.6, which updates NSPI's Net Metering regulation to align with the Amended Electricity Act. Comments are requested by October 15 to be included in a filing to the UARB by November 1.
Larry Larry Wilkens P.Eng. Natural Resources Canada Energy Technology Applications Group 613-947-3519 From: GILLAN, ALISON [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: October 20, 2010 12:09 To: Wilkens, Larry Cc: MYATT, LANA; GODBOUT, NICOLE S...
AI summary Alison Gillan from NSPI is sending Larry Wilkens three documents regarding proposed changes to NSPI's net metering program, including the Amended Electricity Act, a summary of proposed changes, and redline text of the existing regulation. The enhanced net metering program must be filed with the UARB by November 1, and the regulatory process is still uncertain.
Enhanced Net Metering Regulation 3.6 NSPI Responses to Stakeholder Input on draft Regulation 3.6 November 1, 2010 1 Stakeholder Appleseed Energy Suggestions/Comments I would like to ask what the limits or restrictions on the compensation w...
AI summary Appleseed Energy and Minas Basin Pulp & Power expressed concerns about the Enhanced Net Metering Regulation 3.6. Appleseed Energy questioned the compensation limits and argued that the program does not adequately support small-scale production due to high costs. Minas Basin Pulp & Power objected to a regulation requiring generators to meet total annual consumption, arguing it should allow partial offsetting. NSPI responded that the regulation aligns with the Electricity Act and that partial service is permitted.
cceptable powerline easement to NSPI to enable interconnection as required by "NSPI Regulation 2.6 – Overhead Line and Service Extensions". 8 Stakeholder Municipality of the District of Shelburne Suggestions/Comments Would support some kin...
AI summary The Municipality of Shelburne suggests benefit sharing of carbon credits from net metering, while NSPI cites the Amended Electricity Act requiring customers to transfer emission credits to the utility. Shelburne also asks about generator sizing limits, with NSPI stating that generators should be rightsized to customer consumption. The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture notes that payment for surplus electricity may encourage larger generators.
N-5Written Submission of Halifax Regional Water Commission 2/9/2011
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Jeff Larsen Direct +1 (902) 444 8613 [email protected] Purdy's Wharf Tower II 1300-1969 Upper Water Street PO Box 730 Halifax NS Canada B3J 2V1 Tel +1 (902) 425 6500 I Fax +1 (902) 425 6350 February 9, 2011 Nancy McNeil Regulat...
AI summary Halifax Regional Water Commission (HRWC) submits comments to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board regarding proposed amendments to Nova Scotia Power Inc.'s Net Metering Regulation. HRWC argues that the definition of 'distribution zone' is too narrow, the 20MW cap is overly restrictive, and there is insufficient evidence to justify the transfer of emission credits and allowances.
1. Definition of Distribution Zone The Province of Nova Scotia's Renewable Electricity Plan explains that the intention of enhanced net metering regulations is to expand and enhance the current net metering program. 2 In its 2009 Energy St...
AI summary The document discusses the definition of a 'distribution zone' in the context of enhanced net metering regulations. NSPI argues that the current definition is too restrictive, limiting the effectiveness of the program in encouraging small-scale renewable energy. The Amendments allow multiple meters under one account within a defined distribution zone but do not prohibit multiple accounts across zones.
2. 20MWCap The Draft Regulation includes a maximum capacity allocation of 20 MW to net metered customers. The Amendments do not suggest or require that NSPI include such a cap. HRWC respectfully submits that a cap of 20MW (about 1% of maxi...
AI summary HRWC argues that the 20 MW cap on net metered customers in the Draft Regulation is overly restrictive and lacks supporting evidence. They request the Board to direct NSPI to remove the cap until sufficient evidence is provided.
3. Assignment ofEmission Credits and Allowances The Amendments require that as a condition of participation in net metering, the customer transfer or assign all emission credits or allowances arising from the use of renewable energy source...
AI summary The Amendments require net metering customers to transfer emission credits or allowances to NSPI for compliance with emissions regulations. HRWC argues that these credits would not help NSPI meet its obligations under the Greenhouse Gas Regulations, suggesting they should not be assigned to NSPI.
Summary HRWC's submissions may be summarized as follows: - 1. The Draft Regulation should be amended to adopt an approach to aggregated net metering which would allow the broadest access possible to aggregated net metering (including if th...
AI summary HRWC submits that the Draft Regulation should be amended to allow broader access to aggregated net metering, including across multiple distribution zones, provided system studies confirm technical feasibility. HRWC also requests removal of the 20MW cap on the net metering program until NSPI provides evidence of its reasonableness. Additionally, HRWC emphasizes that emission credits should only be transferred to NSPI when required by regulatory enactments.
N-6NSPI Reply Submission 2/23/2011
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2 - 3 On November 1, 2010, Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) filed an application with the - 4 Utility and Review Board (Board, UARB) pursuant to Section 3A of the Electricity Act - 5 and Section 65 of the Public Utilities Act . The Applicatio...
AI summary Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) filed an application with the Utility and Review Board (UARB) in 2010 to amend Regulation 3.6 Net Metering Service. NSPI engaged stakeholders, including the Nova Scotia Department of Energy and the Halifax Regional Water Commission, and responded to information requests. Written submissions were filed by February 2011.
- 27 filed submissions. 1 2.0 REPLY BY NSPI 2 3 Mr. Whalen's submission supports NSPI's proposed Regulation 3.6 and 4 recommends its approval in its entirety, with one suggested improvement; that the 5 lower limit for Class 2 be set at 101...
AI summary NSPI supports Regulation 3.6 with a suggested adjustment to the lower limit for Class 2, while HRWC requests modifications including expanded metering, removal of a capacity limit, and conditions for emissions credits. NSPI responds by defending the regulation's alignment with the Amended Electricity Act.
fixed costs by the utility while DATE FILED: February 23, 2011 Page 9 of 14 7 Memorandum from Mel Whalen, Multeese Consulting Inc. to Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, February 9, 2011, page 5. 1 its long-term effect, after rates are r...
AI summary NSPI sets a 20 MW limit on an enhanced program to monitor cost recovery implications, which it plans to revisit in the future. NSPI argues this approach is prudent and consistent with the Amended Electricity Act, which requires customers to transfer GHG credits to NSPI for compliance with emissions regulations.
as already been considered and determined by the UARB. In 34 that proceeding, Board Counsel consultant, Mr. Whalen, agreed that 35 potential emissions credits should be held by NSPI: 10 HRWC IR-5(b). 1 2 [118] Mr. Whalen recommended that t...
AI summary The UARB determined that environmental credits from DSM projects should remain with the DSM Administrator for the benefit of all customers, ensuring that NSPI customers do not pay twice for the same benefit. This decision aligns with the 2007 IRP and the Amended Electricity Act.
& lt;sup>12 2009 NSUARB 116, paragraphs 124-125. 1 and he chooses to sell it or retire it, then NSPI must balance that and count 2 it back into NSPI's inventory. This would make environmental 3 compliance more costly to NSPI customers. 4 5...
AI summary NSPI is proposing enhancements to its net metering service, driven by legislative changes. The service will comply with regulations, allow customers to generate renewable energy, and maintain transparency and simplicity. NSPI engaged stakeholders, including the Nova Scotia Department of Energy, and received feedback before filing. Only one intervenor requested changes, and the Board Counsel consultant recommended approval.
3 4 NSPI requests approval of the revised Regulation 3.6 as proposed with one 5 amendment; the definition of Class 2 Net Metering Service be changed to mean a 6 generating facility of more than or equal to 101 kW but less than or equal to...
AI summary NSPI is requesting approval to amend Regulation 3.6 by adjusting the definition of Class 2 Net Metering Service to apply to generating facilities between 101 kW and 1000 kW, following Mr. Whalen's recommendation. A 90-day period is also requested before the regulation takes effect to allow for administrative preparations.
1. Medium and Large-Scale Projects Most of the new renewable energy needed to meet 2015 and 2020 goals will come from industrial-scale projects. The Renewable Electricity Plan calls for a minimum of 600 GWh of new medium to large-scale ren...
AI summary The Renewable Electricity Plan outlines the development of medium and large-scale renewable energy projects in Nova Scotia, emphasizing the role of NSPI and independent power producers. Competitive bidding and UARB regulation are both used, with a new Renewable Electricity Administrator managing the process. Sustainability standards apply to forest products projects.
Facilitation We expect the Community-Based Feed-in Tariff (COMFIT) to attract participants who need support developing renewable energy projects.A sustainable energy planning group will be established by government to help develop communit...
AI summary The Community-Based Feed-in Tariff (COMFIT) is expected to attract participants requiring support for renewable energy projects. A government-established sustainable energy planning group will coordinate efforts across various departments and organizations to assist with project development, regulatory approvals, and financing guidance.
Things This Plan Does Not Do 9 Planning involves choices, and in developing this Renewable Electricity Plan, the government has chosen not to do several things. The province has decided to maintain a regulated electricity marketplace and n...
AI summary The Renewable Electricity Plan outlines decisions not to open the electricity market to competition, allow independent producers to build all large-scale projects, or extend COMFIT to larger projects. It also notes the absence of a solar COMFIT and acknowledges the potential for solar energy in the future.
Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Improved Air Quality Current methods of electricity generation produce 50 percent of Nova Scotia's greenhouse gas emissions, and the vast majority of our air pollutant emissions. The 2008 Nova Scotia Wi...
AI summary The Renewable Electricity Plan in Nova Scotia aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuels with renewable energy and natural gas. It estimates that increased wind capacity could avoid significant GHG costs and impact electricity rates. The plan introduces new policies requiring legislative and regulatory actions, including FIT rates, biomass standards, and COMFIT program reviews.
August/September 2010 Regulations finalized: Consideration and analysis of issues raised during the public consultation process was completed and the draft regulations re-drafted and finalized for approval.
AI summary In August/September 2010, regulations were finalized after considering issues raised during public consultation. The draft regulations were re-drafted and finalized for approval.
Implementation—Next steps The amendments under the Electricity Act and new Renewable Electricity Regulations provide the legislative framework to put many of the commitments and tools of the plan into action, in particular the setting of F...
AI summary The amendments to the Electricity Act and the new Renewable Electricity Regulations provide the legislative framework to implement the plan's commitments, particularly the setting of FIT rates. Implementation steps will occur over the fall.
Filing of Enhanced Net Metering Program NSPI will submit the details of the new enhanced net metering program to the UARB by November 1, 2010. A stakeholder process and hearing on the program is expected to take place in early 2011. Upon a...
AI summary NSPI plans to submit details of an enhanced net metering program to the UARB by November 1, 2010, followed by a stakeholder process and hearing in early 2011. If approved, NSPI will start accepting applications for these projects.
COMFIT There was broad support for the COMFIT program and tools to support community-based projects. Several perspectives were presented on how "community" should be defined in order to qualify for the COMFIT. Suggestions ranged from very...
AI summary The COMFIT program received broad support but faced discussions on defining 'community' and expanding technology inclusion. While community involvement was emphasized, broader technology inclusion and business access were not accepted due to cost and capacity concerns.
In what other ways was the feedback addressed? Stakeholder feedback enabled government to gain further technical advice prior to finalizing the regulations. Issues identified by stakeholders during the consultation process were further ana...
AI summary Stakeholder feedback influenced the refinement of regulations, including defining 'community,' adjusting COMFIT rates based on technology and project size, and managing biomass waste. Some feedback required further research and will be addressed in the Clean Energy Strategy. Issues outside the scope of the Renewable Electricity Plan were noted.
06618Board Decision 3/21/2011
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- [1 ] On November 1, 2010 Nova Scotia Power Incorporated ("NSPI") applied to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (the "Board") for approval to amend its Regulation 3.6 - Net Metering Service (the "Application"), in compliance with re...
AI summary In 2010, Nova Scotia Power Incorporated applied to the Board to amend its net metering regulation, proposing enhancements such as expanded customer capacity and payment for annual excess generation. The application was subject to a regulatory process involving multiple parties and submissions.
II BACKGROUND - [5] NSPI has offered net metering to its customers since 1989. The current form of Regulation 3.6 was approved by the Board in 2005. - [6] The existing Regulation 3.6 defines net metering service as "... a metering and bill...
AI summary The document outlines the history and current regulations of net metering in Nova Scotia, including eligibility criteria, limitations, and changes prompted by the Renewable Electricity Plan. NSPI has offered net metering since 1989, with the current regulation approved in 2005. Amendments to the Electricity Act in 2010 required NSPI to submit an expanded net metering regulation by November 2010.
III NSPI PROPOSED AMENDMENTS [12] In its Application, NSPI proposed the following amendments to Regulation 3.6: - a) Increase the existing limit for customer generating capacity from 100 kW to 1 MW. - b) Increase the existing net metering...
AI summary NSPI proposed amendments to Regulation 3.6, including increasing customer generating capacity limits, reclassifying net metering customers, expanding meter aggregation, and revising surplus generation compensation. The proposal was discussed with the NSDOE and stakeholders to ensure alignment with the amended Electricity Act.
[30] In its response, NSPI stated: ... HRWC's submission suggests that if there is no enactment currently which enables NSPI to use credits or allowances to comply with emissions regulation, that a customer is entitled to keep such credits...
AI summary NSPI argues that customers participating in emissions regulation must transfer credits or allowances to NSPI, which must use them for compliance. It also references a prior Board decision that environmental credits from DSM projects remain with the DSM Administrator. NSPI claims that customer participation in net metering reduces its GHG emissions, creating carbon credits.
2. Capacity limits [38] The amended Electricity Act states that the net metering program \;vill permit any customer to generate electricity for the customer's own use and to sell any excess electricity to the utility. It also states that t...
AI summary The amended Electricity Act allows net metering up to 1 MW per customer without an overall system limit. NSPI proposed a 20 MW system limit divided into two classes, but the Board does not support this limit, emphasizing the need to encourage renewable energy participation. The Board, however, agrees with classifying generators into two categories to facilitate interconnection.
06870Board Order
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IN THE MATTER OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES ACT - and - IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION by NOVA SCOTIA POWER INC. for approval to amend Regulation 3.6 - Net Metering by enhancing its net metering service, in compliance with recent legislative ch...
AI summary Nova Scotia Power Inc. is seeking approval to amend Regulation 3.6 - Net Metering, in line with recent changes to the Electricity Act, to enhance net metering service with expanded customer capacity, aggregated metering, and payment for annual excess generation.
ORDER WHEREAS on November 1, 2010, Nova Scotia Power Incorporated ("NSPI") applied to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (the "Board") for approval to amend its Regulation 3.6 - Net Metering Service, in compliance with recent changes...
AI summary The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board approved Nova Scotia Power Incorporated's amended Regulation 3.6 - Net Metering Service in March 2011, following a regulatory proceeding that included information requests, written submissions, and a review of all filings.
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that: - 1. The net metering Regulation 3.6 attached hereto be approved with an effective date 90 days after the date of this Order. - 2. NSPI is to file an annual report with the Board by January 31 st each year which...
AI summary The document outlines an order approving Regulation 3.6 on net metering with an effective date 90 days after the order. NSPI is required to submit an annual report to the Board by January 31, detailing net metered customer generators and load transfers affected by the Open Access Transmission Tariff.
3.6 NET METERING SERVICE
AI summary The section discusses the Net Metering Service, which allows customers to generate electricity and receive credits for excess production. This service is part of Nova Scotia's regulatory framework and involves specific rules and procedures for implementation.
3.6.6 Special Conditions - a) Special conditions in this regulation do not supersede, modify or nullify special conditions accompanying the otherwise-applicable metered rate schedules. - b) A Qualifying generating facility must meet the fo...
AI summary This section outlines special conditions for Net Metering service, including requirements for Qualifying generating facilities, compliance with safety and performance standards, customer-generator responsibilities, and procedures for applying and terminating the service.
06618Board Decision 3/21/2011
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- [1 ] On November 1, 2010 Nova Scotia Power Incorporated ("NSPI") applied to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (the "Board") for approval to amend its Regulation 3.6 - Net Metering Service (the "Application"), in compliance with re...
AI summary In 2010, NSPI applied to the Board to amend its net metering regulation, proposing changes to expand customer capacity and allow payment for excess generation. The Board set a schedule for the proceeding, with information requests and written submissions filed by interested parties. The Electricity Act outlines requirements for net metering programs, including renewable energy qualifications and approval processes.
II BACKGROUND - [5] NSPI has offered net metering to its customers since 1989. The current form of Regulation 3.6 was approved by the Board in 2005. - [6] The existing Regulation 3.6 defines net metering service as "... a metering and bill...
AI summary NSPI has offered net metering since 1989, with current regulations approved in 2005. The existing rules define net metering and include restrictions on eligibility, credit banking, and service continuity. In 2010, the NSDOE released a Renewable Electricity Plan aiming for 25% renewable electricity by 2015 and 40% by 2020, which prompted NSPI to submit an expanded net metering regulation for approval.
III NSPI PROPOSED AMENDMENTS [12] In its Application, NSPI proposed the following amendments to Regulation 3.6: - a) Increase the existing limit for customer generating capacity from 100 kW to 1 MW. - b) Increase the existing net metering...
AI summary NSPI proposed amendments to Regulation 3.6, including increasing customer generating capacity limits, revising net metering program capacities, establishing two classes of service, expanding meter aggregation, and modifying surplus generation compensation. The amendments aim to align with interconnection standards and facilitate administrative processes. NSPI also confirmed alignment with the Electricity Act and engaged stakeholders in the process.
[30] In its response, NSPI stated: ... HRWC's submission suggests that if there is no enactment currently which enables NSPI to use credits or allowances to comply with emissions regulation, that a customer is entitled to keep such credits...
AI summary NSPI argues that customers must transfer emissions credits to NSPI as a condition of participation, and that these credits must be used solely for compliance with emissions regulations. NSPI references a previous Board decision in a DSM proceeding, which stated that environmental credits from DSM projects should remain with the DSM Administrator for all customers' benefit.
1. Distribution Zone [33] Section 3A(2)(d) of the amended Electricity Act states that customers may have multiple meters under one account within a defined distribution zone, however, the Act does not define "distribution zone". NSPI inter...
AI summary The document discusses the definition of 'distribution zone' under the amended Electricity Act, NSPI's interpretation of the term, and the Board's agreement with NSPI's definition. It also addresses scenarios where distribution zone boundaries may change, impacting net metering eligibility.
06870Board Order
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ORDER WHEREAS on November 1, 2010, Nova Scotia Power Incorporated ("NSPI") applied to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (the "Board") for approval to amend its Regulation 3.6 - Net Metering Service, in compliance with recent changes...
AI summary Nova Scotia Power Incorporated applied to amend its Regulation 3.6 - Net Metering Service in compliance with the Electricity Act. After a series of filings and submissions, the Board approved the amended regulation with modifications, and NSPI filed the revised regulation on March 31, 2011.
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that: - 1. The net metering Regulation 3.6 attached hereto be approved with an effective date 90 days after the date of this Order. - 2. NSPI is to file an annual report with the Board by January 31 st each year which...
AI summary The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board orders the approval of Regulation 3.6 on net metering with a 90-day effective date. NSPI is required to submit annual reports detailing net metered customer generators and any load transfers affecting the Open Access Transmission Tariff.
3.6.6 Special Conditions - a) Special conditions in this regulation do not supersede, modify or nullify special conditions accompanying the otherwise-applicable metered rate schedules. - b) A Qualifying generating facility must meet the fo...
AI summary This section outlines special conditions for Net Metering service, including requirements for qualifying generating facilities, compliance with safety standards, customer responsibilities, and grandfathering provisions for existing net metering customers.