Topic:"Regulatory Oversight" in M03669

1.1 ENSC Startup and Transition of DSM Administrator Responsibilities in 2010 On January 22, 2010, the Governor in Council proclaimed the Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation Act 1 (ENSC Act) that established ENSC as the province's new elect...

AI summary In 2010, Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation (ENSC) was established as the new DSM program administrator under the ENSC Act. ENSC transitioned responsibilities from NSPI, with a Transition Committee and plan approved by UARB. The transition, completed by December 31, 2010, ensured continuity in DSM program management and delivery.

10. PERFORMANCE-BASED APPROACH The creation of ENSC flows from the recommendations of a stakeholder consultation process facilitated by Dr. David Wheeler. 17 The final report resulting from this process envisioned a performance-driven over...

AI summary The document discusses the creation of ENSC based on a stakeholder consultation process led by Dr. David Wheeler, proposing a performance-based oversight mechanism for energy and demand savings. This model would shift regulatory focus from annual filings to multi-year frameworks, similar to those used in Vermont, with the UARB's role evolving to evaluate and verify performance.

INTRODUCTION Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation (ENSC) retained the Dunsky Energy Consulting team to provide strategic advice designed to assist the Corporation as it moves to absorb current DSM Administrator functions, and ramp-up to achi...

AI summary Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation (ENSC) has retained Dunsky Energy Consulting to provide strategic advice on absorbing DSM Administrator functions and achieving aggressive energy savings goals. The report focuses on regulatory issues, plan review, and enhancement opportunities for ENSC's programs.

OVERSIGHT IN A PERFORMANCE-BASED MODEL Regulatory oversight of a dedicated DSM "utility" like ENSC is broadly analogous to regulatory oversight of other monopoly functions. In this respect, regulatory models exist on a continuum, ranging f...

AI summary The text discusses regulatory oversight of ENSC, a dedicated DSM utility in Nova Scotia, under a performance-based model. It contrasts this with the traditional cost-of-service model used by NSPI and highlights the shift in UARB's oversight role from pre-approving plans to focusing on budget and performance reviews.

HARMONIZING ELECTRIC AND NON-ELECTRIC INITIATIVES Throughout Canada and the U.S., efficient and effective DSM program delivery is often challenged by the existence of a patchwork of DSM administrators. In some regions, for example, a varie...

AI summary The text discusses the challenges of managing multiple demand-side management (DSM) programs across different utilities and agencies, and how the creation of ENSC offers an opportunity to streamline these efforts. Coordination between the UARB and government is suggested to reduce duplication and improve efficiency.

- 2. Actual expenditures are subject to audit. 1 Request IR-5: 30 tracked by customer class in 2008/2009.

AI summary The document mentions that actual expenditures are subject to audit, and includes a table row referencing a request labeled IR-5, which was tracked by customer class in 2008/2009.

The REG Procedure Model: Month

AI summary The text references the REG Procedure Model: Month, which appears to be a statistical or analytical model used in regulatory or utility-related analysis.

1. OBJECTIVE - Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation is committed to maintaining a high standard of legal and ethical business conduct. - The purpose of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the "Code") is to provide general guidance on th...

AI summary Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics establishes legal and ethical standards for Directors and employees, emphasizing fairness, defensibility, and adherence to good judgment. All staff must acknowledge receipt and compliance via a signed form.

► Employee A person who has an employment contract or letter of employment with Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation. Upon Board decision, an individual who does not have an employment contract or letter of employment may be considered an em...

AI summary The text defines an employee as someone with an employment contract or letter from Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation. It also notes that the Board may classify individuals without such contracts as employees if deemed appropriate, including contracted professionals.

Handling of Reports and Investigations - Each submission forwarded to the Governance Committee, whether openly, confidentially, or anonymously, shall be reviewed by the Governance Committee. The Governance Committee shall determine whether...

AI summary Submissions to the Governance Committee are reviewed to determine if an investigation is warranted. If so, the CEO is notified, and the committee or management conducts the investigation, potentially engaging external experts. All records are retained for seven years, documenting investigation steps and outcomes.

► Fairness An accessible, consistent and transparent process that is impartial based on principles of merit and equity.

AI summary The document emphasizes the importance of an accessible, consistent, and transparent process that is impartial and based on principles of merit and equity.

► Undue Hardship Is determined on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration many factors which include safety, financial cost, employee morale, operational requirements and the impact on collective agreement provisions, where applicab...

AI summary Undue hardship is assessed individually, considering factors like safety, financial cost, employee morale, operational needs, and collective agreement provisions. The term 'undue' suggests that some level of hardship is acceptable.

► "Reasonably to be known" The "reasonably to be known" standard refers to an objective assessment of how a specific behaviour might generally be received.

AI summary The 'reasonably to be known' standard involves an objective evaluation of how a specific behavior might generally be perceived.

5. RESPONSIBILITY - It is the responsibility of Directors and employees to be familiar with the provisions of the policy. Every Director and employee has a duty to comply with the policy and is accountable for his/her conduct. - It is the...

AI summary This section outlines the responsibility of Directors and employees to adhere to the policy, as well as the duty of the Chair of the Management Resources and Compensation Committee to ensure policy dissemination and annual review.

Formal Investigation - The investigator(s) will interview the complainant, the respondent, and any witnesses, and will review relevant documentation. - The investigator(s) must complete their investigation and file a report of their findin...

AI summary The formal investigation process involves interviewing the complainant, respondent, and witnesses, and reviewing documentation. The investigator(s) must complete the investigation and submit a report to the CEO and Advisor within 30 working days, with possible extensions approved by the Board.

8. MONITORING • The Manager of Human Resources will be responsible for monitoring the effectiveness and consistent application of this policy.

AI summary The Manager of Human Resources is tasked with monitoring the effectiveness and consistent application of the policy.

4.1 Board Members - 4.1.1 As stated in section 10 of the Act, the Board shall consist of: - (a) not fewer than two nor more than ten members appointed under Article 4.1.2 and 4.1.3; and - (b) one non-voting member who is a deputy minister...

AI summary This section outlines the composition and eligibility criteria for members of the Board under the Act. It specifies the number of members, appointment processes, and restrictions on eligibility, including prohibitions on serving as a member if affiliated with the government or public utilities.

5.1 Board Composition - 5.1.1 The officers of the Board shall be: - (a) the Chair; - (b) the Vice-Chair; - (c) the Chair of the Governance Committee; - (d) the Chair of the Finance Committee; and - (e) the Chair of the Management Resources...

AI summary This section outlines the composition of the Board, specifying the roles of its officers including the Chair, Vice-Chair, and chairs of various committees such as Governance, Finance, and Management Resources and Compensation.

5.6 Resignations 5.6.1 Any Director or other officer may resign at anytime, such resignation to be in writing, and to take effect from the time of its receipt by the Corporation, unless some time be fixed in the resignation and then from t...

AI summary This section outlines the procedure for resignations by Directors or other officers of the Corporation. Resignations must be in writing and take effect upon receipt unless a specific date is stated in the resignation.

7.5 Quorum 7.5.1 The attendance (in person or by teleconference) of more than 50% of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum and shall be necessary to conduct the business of Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation.

AI summary This section establishes that a quorum for the Board of Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation requires the attendance of more than 50% of its members, either in person or by teleconference, to conduct business.

7.6 Voting 7.6.1 Unless otherwise provided herein, matters arising at any meeting of the Board shall be decided by a majority of votes. Only Board members present in person or by teleconference may vote and no Board member may vote or be r...

AI summary This section outlines the voting procedures for the Board, specifying that decisions are made by a majority vote, the use of ballots upon demand, and the Chair's role in breaking ties. It also states that the Chair's declaration of a resolution's passage is considered prima facie evidence.

8.3 Governance Committee 8.3.1 The Governance Committee is responsible for assisting the Board of Directors with their responsibilities with respect to occupational health & safety, the Board election process, the orientation of new and ex...

AI summary The Governance Committee supports the Board of Directors by managing occupational health & safety, Board elections, member orientation, and training. It evaluates governance structures, monitors policy development, and recommends code of conduct and ethics policies.

8.5 Management Resource and Compensation Committee 8.5.1 The Management Resource and Compensation Committee is responsible for assisting the Board of Directors with their responsibilities with respect to the selection, compensation, evalua...

AI summary The Management Resource and Compensation Committee supports the Board of Directors in selecting, compensating, evaluating, and ensuring the succession of the CEO. It also recommends the selection and compensation of other senior executives and oversees employment equity and harassment policies.

An Act to Establish the Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation Be it enacted by the Governor and Assembly as follows: - 1 This Act may be cited as the Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation Act. - 2 The purpose of this Act is to - (a) establish an...

AI summary This Act establishes the Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation to manage electricity demand-side management programs, create a fund to support these programs, and provide regulatory oversight. It also defines key terms and outlines the Corporation's authority to engage in energy efficiency and conservation initiatives beyond demand-side management.

- (3) Subject to subsection (2), the members of the Board of Directors referred to in clause (1)(a) shall be appointed as provided by and hold office for the term provided by the by-laws of the Corporation. - (4) A member of the House of A...

AI summary This section outlines the composition, eligibility, and responsibilities of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, including restrictions on eligibility, remuneration, liability protections, and authority to create by-laws.

tes an environment where DSM program developers can refine the information collection and analytical skills required to effectively allocate resources and problem-solve as they move from case to case. The multi-dimensional nature of povert...

AI summary The text discusses the challenges of implementing demand-side management (DSM) programs for low-income renters, highlighting the complex relationship between poverty, regulatory systems, and housing costs. It emphasizes the need for a coordinated, multi-agency approach to address energy poverty effectively.

Long Term Low-Income-Renter DSM Policy Strategies Low-income-renter DSM must be supported outside of the Efficiency Nova Scotia framework. Although the DSM Plan is an important policy vehicle, successful implementation of lowincome-renter...

AI summary The document outlines the need for comprehensive policy strategies to support low-income-renter demand-side management (DSM) outside the Efficiency Nova Scotia framework. It emphasizes the importance of intergovernmental cooperation, integrated policy development, and synergies between low-income-renter DSM and broader DSM initiatives.

Books Chris Tollefson, Fred Gale & David Haley, Setting the Standard: Certification, Governance, and the Forest Stewardship Council (Vancouver: UBC Press, 2008) Jean-Jacques Laffont and David Martimort, The Theory of Incentives: The Princi...

AI summary The text lists several books referenced in the proceeding, including works on certification and governance, principal-agent theory, and the characterization of harms. These books are likely used for context or analysis in the regulatory process.

June 2006 - December 2006 Acting Director, Intergovernmental Affairs and, Climate Change, Nova Scotia Department of Energy, Halifax, NS - Ensures the department's inter-governmental positions and negotiating strategies are consistent and e...

AI summary The Acting Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Climate Change at Nova Scotia's Department of Energy oversees intergovernmental coordination, climate policy development, and energy initiatives. Responsibilities include aligning provincial strategies with federal efforts, managing climate change programs, and leading regulatory frameworks for ocean energy resources.

n. Connecticut's programs are subject to both utility and TRC test review by their regulators. These services are provided through the utilities' engagement with the ECMB.

AI summary Connecticut's energy programs undergo regulatory test reviews by utilities and TRC, facilitated through the utilities' engagement with the ECMB. This highlights oversight mechanisms for program compliance and service delivery.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Synapse Energy Economics Inc ., Cambridge, MA. Vice President, 2011 to present. Provides expert consulting on the economic, regulatory, consumer, environmental, and public policy implications of the electricity and...

AI summary The text outlines the professional experience of an individual with extensive expertise in energy economics, regulatory affairs, and public policy, including roles at Synapse Energy Economics Inc., the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, and other organizations, with a focus on energy efficiency, clean energy, and utility regulation.

ysis, Docket No. 99-328, February 1, 2000. Market Distortions Associated With Inconsistent Air Quality Regulations , prepared for the Project for a Sustainable FERC Energy Policy, November 18, 1999. Measures to Ensure Fair Competition and...

AI summary The text lists various reports prepared for regulatory and policy-related entities, focusing on topics such as market distortions, air quality regulations, competition in electricity markets, and performance-based regulation in restructured electric industries.

ARTICLES AND PRESENTATIONS Managing Electricity Industry Risk with Clean and Efficient Resources , The Electricity Journal , with John Nielson, David Berry and Ronald Lehr, Volume 18, Issue 2, March 2005. Local Policy Measures to Improve A...

AI summary The text lists various articles and presentations related to energy efficiency, renewable resources, electricity market restructuring, and environmental policies. Topics include integrated resource planning, renewable portfolio standards, performance-based ratemaking, and electricity pricing. These materials span from 1992 to 2005 and cover international and regional perspectives on energy and utility regulation.

Nexen wants partners for developing shale lands CALGARY (CP) — Nexen Inc. is on the hunt for deals to cash in on its large shale gas holdings in northeastern British Columbia, executives sald Tuesday after the firm announced that output fr...

AI summary Nexen Inc. seeks partners for shale gas development in northeastern British Columbia. Separately, the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board will hold a public hearing to consider Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation's 2012 Electricity Demand Side Management Plan application.

countries of the countries of the countries of the countries of the countries of the countries of the countries of the countries of the countries of the countries of the countries of the countries of the countries of the countries of the a...

AI summary The text contains a repetition of the phrase 'countries of the countries of the countries of the countries...' followed by a discussion involving European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet and Fed chairman, highlighting the importance of a strong dollar. It also includes a notice of public hearing from the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board.

NSBI Welcomes New Board Chair The Board of Directors of Nova Scotla Business Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Eisenhauer as chair of the board. Mir. Elsenhauer has more than 30 years of industry experience and currently s...

AI summary Nova Scotla Business Inc. (NSBI) has appointed Jim Eisenhauer as its new Board Chair. Eisenhauer has over 30 years of industry experience and currently holds leadership roles at several companies, including Nova Scotia Power Inc. He has been involved with NSBI since 2005 and will continue to guide the organization in supporting Nova Scotia businesses.

Mr. Dunsky is currently responsible for several key projects including: - Best practice assessment, analysis and design of a small-scale renewable energy incentive strategy for the Government of Saskatchewan 's Go Green fund. - Strategic r...

AI summary Mr. Dunsky oversees projects in renewable energy incentives, energy efficiency programs, and regulatory processes for various organizations, including Efficiency Nova Scotia Corp., BC Hydro, and Quebec Energy Efficiency Agency, focusing on residential, commercial, and low-income initiatives.

- 2010 American Council for an Energy Efficiency Economy (ACEEE) : several speaking engagements. - 2010 Association of Energy Service Professionals (AESP) 20th Conference : "Mandatory Energy Disclosure for Existing Homes and Buildings: A N...

AI summary This text lists various speaking engagements and presentations by individuals and organizations related to energy efficiency, sustainability, and utility regulation from 2000 to 2010. It highlights involvement in energy policy discussions and leadership in energy efficiency initiatives.

Advisory Committees and Boards 2010 B.C. Green Landlords Project – Advisory Committee 2009 Green Municipal Fund – Investment Committee (oversight of $650m assets) 2009 Parta Sustainable Solutions – Board of Directors 2002 Green Municipal F...

AI summary The document lists advisory committees and boards from 1992 to 2010 involving energy efficiency, environmental initiatives, and governance. Key roles include oversight of funds, policy panels, and advisory groups in Canada and the U.S., focusing on sustainable development, renewable energy, and regulatory frameworks.

[11 ] The relevant provisions of the ENSC Act are: - 2 The purpose of this Act is to - (a) establish an administrator to manage electricity demand-side management programs in the Province; - (b) establish a fund to be used to defray the co...

AI summary The ENSC Act establishes an administrator for electricity demand-side management programs, creates a fund to cover program costs, and mandates regulatory oversight. It defines key terms like 'electricity demand-side management program' and designates the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board as the oversight body. The Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation (ENSC) must operate not-for-profit and focus on demand reduction and energy efficiency initiatives.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REQUESTS To: Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation c/o Sean Foreman Regulatory Counsel Wickwire Holm 2100 - 1801 Hollis Street Halifax, NS B3J 2X6 From: Board Counsel Consultant Nova Scotia Utility &Review Board R...

AI summary A non-confidential information request is issued to Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation by the Nova Scotia Utility & Review Board, with responses due March 29, 2011. The request is managed by Board Counsel Consultant and addressed to Sean Foreman of Wickwire Holm, with Synapse Energy Economics, Inc. as the contact for responses.

NOVA SCOTIA UTILITY AND REVIEW BOARD IN THE MATTER OF: THE PUBLIC UTILITIES ACT -and- IN THE MATTER OF: AN APPLICATION by Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation ("ENSC") for approval of 2012 Electricity Demand Side Management ("DSM") Plan for...

AI summary Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation (ENSC) seeks approval for its 2012 Electricity Demand Side Management (DSM) Plan under the Public Utilities Act. The proceeding involves regulatory review of ENSC's proposed energy efficiency initiatives.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REQUESTS To: Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation c/o Sean Foreman Regulatory Counsel Wickwire Holm 2100 -1801 Hollis Street Halifax, NS B3J 2X6 From: 0"...........1 c"'..... 4=4= 1",..... ,.. ••1"',.. ....(. UUO...

AI summary A non-confidential information request from the Nova Scotia Utility & Review Board to Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation, with responses due March 29, 2011. The request is directed to Sean Foreman at Wickwire Holm, with Mel Whalen of Multeese Consulting Inc. as the contact person.

rovide the basis on which ENSC concludes that "80th of these changes are incremental to the electrical load forecast in the 2009 IRP Update". Request IR-1 0 With respect to page 17, lines 23 - 25, a) Please provide examples of measures whi...

AI summary The document contains a series of regulatory requests (IR-5 to IR-14) seeking clarifications on ENSC's methodology for calculating avoided costs, free ridership, program evaluations, and alignment with prior DSM plans. Requests focus on data derivation, consistency with past methodologies, and justification for program design assumptions.

Request IR-22 With respect to Appendix C. page 2 and Note 4 on page 12, please elaborate on Dunsky's statement that the current regulatory model "may hinder critical flexibility" and provide an example.

AI summary The request asks for clarification on Dunsky's assertion that the current regulatory model 'may hinder critical flexibility,' specifically referencing Appendix C and Note 4. It seeks an example to explain this claim within the context of the proceeding.

Consumer Advocate Information Requests to ENSC

AI summary This document outlines information requests submitted by the Consumer Advocate to ENSC, though the specific details of the requests and ENSC's responses are not provided in the current chunk. The proceeding likely involves regulatory scrutiny of ENSC's practices and compliance with consumer protection standards.

ENSC 2012 DSM Plan Filing (NSUARB-E-ENSC-R-10) Multeese Consulting Inc. Response to UARB Undertaking

AI summary Multeese Consulting Inc. submitted a response to a UARB undertaking related to the 2012 ENSC DSM Plan filing. The document outlines the company's position on the regulatory proceeding, focusing on compliance and program implementation.

fuel supplies and lack of competition. - 10. In this submission EAC will address the following issue areas using the testimony and evidence presented before the Board in this proceeding: - a. 2012 DSM Budget and Proposed Energy Savings fro...

AI summary EAC addresses the 2012 DSM budget's reduced energy savings due to ELI's unforeseen savings, the budget's reasonableness, and the absence of a process for determining energy savings targets. The discussion highlights regulatory discretion and the need for established processes in IRP energy savings targets.

19 See, for example, Exhibit [E-12], Supra Note 8, Page 3, Lines 5-6. 20 Exhibit [E-1], Supra Note 7, Page 29. 21 Exhibit [E-12], Supra Note 8, Page 2, Lines 26-28. 1 ENSC sees continued value and support in having the PDWG continue throug...

AI summary ENSC supports continuing the PDWG throughout 2011 and proposes a multi-year performance-driven regulatory model. ENSC seeks approval from the UARB and the Board to assess options for implementing this model. Board Counsel Mel Whalen shows tacit agreement, subject to legislative confirmation. The Board Chair raises questions about the Public Utilities Act's compatibility with performance-based regulation.

& lt;sup>23 Almost all jurisdictions that have implemented PBR within regulation of electricity rates have done so within the context of deregulation of the electricity sector and multiple utilities competing in an open access market. The...

AI summary The text discusses the context and implications of Performance-Based Regulation (PBR) in electricity rate regulation, noting that it is typically implemented in deregulated markets with competing utilities. It highlights that under the ENSC Act, ENSC is not allowed to recover a rate of return from ratepayers, unlike the traditional cost recovery model.

NOVA SCOTIA DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, NOVA SCOTIA ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVE NOVA SCOTIA Mark V. Rieksts, LL.B. Richard Penny Nancy Rondeaux NEWPAGE PORT HAWKESBURY CORP. and BOWATER MERSEY PAPER COMPANY LIMITED David MacDougall, LL.B. James Mac...

AI summary The document outlines a regulatory proceeding involving energy and environmental matters in Nova Scotia, with key participants including legal counsel, consultants, and corporate entities. The application was approved, with directions for future filings, and a decision was issued on June 30, 2011.

[11 ] The relevant provisions of the ENSC Act are: - 2 The purpose of this Act is to - (a) establish an administrator to manage electricity demand-side management programs in the Province; - (b) establish a fund to be used to defray the co...

AI summary The ENSC Act establishes an administrator for demand-side management (DSM) programs, creates a fund for DSM costs, provides regulatory oversight, and allows the Corporation to engage in energy efficiency initiatives. The Corporation operates not-for-profit, focusing on managing DSM programs and other conservation efforts.

d on the data tracking problems identified by NMR, noting he had no concerns and that data tracking is "coming along nicely". He expected it would be used productively by ENSC (Transcript, p. 315-316) [31] Dr. Peach's expectations were sup...

AI summary The document discusses ENSC's progress on data tracking, the SVS's recommendation for an organizational study/management audit of ENSC, and the CA's engagement with ENSC officials. Dr. Peach and Mr. Crandlemire expressed support for the audit, while Mr. Foote emphasized the need for data quality improvements in program evaluations.