Topic:"Regulatory Oversight" in M12249

EfficiencyOne IN THE MATTER OF The Public Utilities Act , RSNS 1989, c 380, as amended - and – IN THE MATTER OF An Application by EfficiencyOne for Approval of the 2026 DSM Extension for Demand-Side Management Activities between Efficiency...

AI summary EfficiencyOne seeks approval for the 2026 DSM Extension and amendment to the 2023-2025 Purchase Agreement with Nova Scotia Power Inc. under the Public Utilities Act. The application is filed by EfficiencyOne as the holder of the Efficiency Nova Scotia Franchise.

1.7 EXISTING BOARD APPROVED COST-EFFECTIVENESS TEST - E1 has applied the current NSUARB-approved cost-effectiveness test to the 2026 DSM Extension as the - 2023-2025 DSM Plan the Total Resource Cost (TRC). This test compares inputs (costs...

AI summary The NSUARB-approved Total Resource Cost (TRC) test was applied to the 2026 DSM Extension, yielding a cost-effectiveness ratio of 1.6, exceeding the 1.0 threshold under the Public Utilities Act (PUA). E1 plans to propose a new benefit-cost analysis framework for the 2027-2031 DSM Plan to the Energy Board in Q2 2025.

2. BACKGROUND TO 2026 DSM EXTENSION

AI summary The section outlines the background for extending Demand-Side Management (DSM) programs to 2026, involving regulatory considerations by the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB) under the Public Utilities Act (PUA).

2.1 DEVELOPMENTS IN LAW AND POLICY - Nova Scotia's electricity sector is in an era of significant change. Driven by ambitious federal and provincial - environmental goals, NS Power is phasing out its coal fleet by 2030, with a target to ac...

AI summary Nova Scotia's electricity sector is undergoing significant changes, driven by environmental goals. The province created the Clean Electricity Solutions Task Force, which recommended the creation of an independent energy system operator and a standalone energy regulator. These recommendations were implemented through the Energy Reform (2024) Act, which amended several existing statutes, including the Public Utilities Act.

- following factors in relation to regulatory decision-making function: 1 2 3 4 5 6 (2) In approving or fixing rates, tolls, charges, tariffs, capital applications and all other matters over which the Energy Board has authority, the Board...

AI summary The text outlines the Energy Board's regulatory decision-making function, emphasizing the need to support competition, innovation, sustainable development, and reliable energy supply in Nova Scotia, aligning with the More Access to Energy Act.

- 3 Cost-effectiveness results are provided for two cost effectiveness tests the Total Resource Cost (TRC), - 4 Program Administrator Cost (PAC). The TRC test compares the costs incurred to design and deliver - 5 programs and customers' co...

AI summary The document discusses cost-effectiveness tests used in Nova Scotia, including the Total Resource Cost (TRC) and Program Administrator Cost (PAC) tests. E1 plans to develop a new jurisdiction-specific BCA test for the 2027-2031 DSM Plan, following directives from the NSUARB and collaboration with the DSM Advisory Group.

RESID EN TIAL ENERGY EFFICIEN CY PROGRAM S

AI summary The document outlines residential energy efficiency programs under Nova Scotia's regulatory framework, involving entities like NSUARB and NSP. It references DSM, DCRR, and related acronyms for cost recovery and benefit analysis, with legislative context from the PUA.

4 5.2 EXISTING RESIDENTIAL - 5 The Existing Residential program provides residential customers with access to information, technical - 6 support, and financial assistance to identify, assess and implement energy efficiency behaviours and -...

AI summary The Existing Residential program, part of the 2023-2025 Plan, will transition from seven to six components by 2026, removing Green Heat due to declining participation. The 2026 DSM Extension includes six components, such as Home Energy Assessments and Mi'kmaw initiatives, while E1 cites reduced savings as the reason for ending Green Heat.

ine how to balance these different impacts. Instead, this balance will need to be drawn by efficiency planners, ultimately with guidance and final approval of regulators. ["](#page-116-1) 5 The original RBIA model, filed on 14 November 201...

AI summary The document discusses the development and revisions of the Rate and Bill Impact Analysis (RBIA) model for DSM, created by Efficiency Nova Scotia and Elenchus, reviewed by Synapse, and updated based on feedback from the NSUARB and DSMAG. It outlines the model's purpose to assess long-term impacts of DSM on rates and bills, with future work outlined in Section 6.

3.1 OVERALL RATE IMPACTS - DSM can lower rates by avoiding different types of electricity system costs (avoided energy, capacity, - transmission and distribution). DSM may also increase rates, a result of recovering program costs as well -...

AI summary The 2026 DSM Extension RBIA analyzes rate impacts of Demand-Side Management (DSM) programs, showing average rate changes ranging from +0.08% to +0.45% over 2026-2041. Initial cost recovery in 2026 causes higher impacts (+2.1% to +4.9%), but long-term effects (2027-2041) show smaller or negative impacts (-0.14% to +0.15%). These figures reflect long-term trends, not annual fluctuations.

6. FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS - E1 understands that NS Power is currently developing an updated Cost of Service Study. Once concluded, - E1 will work with stakeholders to consider any potential implications to the RBIA as a result of this updat...

AI summary E1 acknowledges NS Power's updated Cost of Service Study and plans to collaborate with stakeholders on RBIA implications. The next RBIA applications will cover 2026-2031, part of E1's DSM Resource Plan filing in winter 2026.

Methodology for determination of changes in NS Power's base cost rates as a result of DSM-induced changes in class usage and total system costs November 27, 2020

AI summary The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB) outlines a methodology to assess changes in Nova Scotia Power's (NSP) base cost rates caused by Demand-Side Management (DSM)-induced shifts in class usage and total system costs. The analysis focuses on evaluating DSM's impact on cost recovery, rate design, and system-wide cost implications.

Data Inputs

AI summary The 'Data Inputs' section lists acronyms and their expansions relevant to a Nova Scotia regulatory proceeding, including organizations, legislation, and programs involved in energy efficiency, demand-side management, and utility regulation.

Mission Statement With extensive experience in North America, we can provide the full range of evaluation, verification, policy, management, planning, regulatory adaptation services – wherever and whenever there is a need.

AI summary The organization emphasizes its extensive North American experience and offers evaluation, verification, policy, management, planning, and regulatory adaptation services to meet diverse needs.

(e.g., solar-PV and strategic Nova Scotia Legislature - Bill 228 - [Public Utilities Act (amended) -](https://nslegislature.ca/legc/bills/64th_1st/3rd_read/b228.htm) RA electrification) and additionalsupport for development of a five-year...

AI summary Legislative amendments extended the Board-approved DSM Plan to 2026, requiring E1 to file 2026 performance targets. Incremental costs arose from developing the 2026 DSM Extension and the new 2027-2031 DSM Plan. The NSUARB directed E1 to develop a cost-effectiveness methodology, leading to unexpected costs not included in the original 2023-2025 Plan. Flow-through costs from regulators, advocates, and consultants increased due to legislative changes and BCA development.

ants, Consumer Advocate and their consultants, and the Small Business Advocate and their consultants have also increased as a result of both the legislative changes and the development of the new BCA. Bill 6 - An Act Respecting Agriculture...

AI summary E1 forecasts a $1.8M increase in costs for DSM Plan development and BCA activities due to legislative changes and process complexities, requiring cost offsets within NSUARB-approved investment levels. References include Bill 6, the Public Utilities Act, and NSUARB Decision M10473.

2026 DSM Extension Application to the Date Filed: June 25, 2025 REDACTED Synapse IR-04, Attachment 1, Page 3 of 19 Energy Board - Developed as a continuation year of the 2023-2025 DSM Plan per the legislation and not a stand-alone DSM Plan...

AI summary The 2026 DSM Plan extension application aligns with the 2023-2025 plan, using updated assumptions and existing NSUARB-approved TRC tests. E1 proposes a streamlined regulatory process and seeks approval for adjusted performance targets. No new resources like solar-PV will be introduced.

E1 Responses to Synapse Energy Economics (Synapse) Information Requests NON-CONFIDENTIAL (c) Did E1 prioritize meeting the investment split design objective over the energy savings split design objective? If so, why? (d) Please discuss if...

AI summary E1 explains that the energy savings split and investment split for the 2026 DSM Extension are aligned with design objectives using a 'balanced plan approach' from the Standardized Filing Framework. This approach was approved by the NSUARB and used in prior DSM Plans. Funding sources are not explicitly detailed, but the focus is on balancing residential and BNI sector splits.

EfficiencyOne (E1) Responses to Small Business Advocate (SBA) Information Requests NON-CONFIDENTIAL (a) Does EfficiencyOne plan to change its budget allocation to the BER program as a result of this finding that point of sale savings decli...

AI summary EfficiencyOne (E1) states it will not change budget allocations for BER or the 2026 DSM Extension, citing real-time adjustments already incorporated. E1 plans to address baseline changes in the 2027-2031 DSM Plan and argues further study is needed due to program changes impacting customers and partners.

rting the bulbs from the warehouse and altering program records was caught. A catch like this makes an organization smarter, so it has an informal but positive effect on operative planning and policy. (3) One year, we caught a situation wh...

AI summary The text describes instances where program oversight identified issues, including a contractor delaying resolution for a failed heat pump installation. Efficiency Nova Scotia intervened, highlighting the importance of accountability in demand-side management programs. The examples emphasize how such oversight improves operational planning and policy.

cation report with the Board; remote 14 participation in the DSMAG meetings that review evaluations and verifications; and remote 15 participation in other meetings, as directed. Request IR-02: - 2 Please confirm whether the Verifier's sco...

AI summary The Verifier's scope includes planning and policy-related work but excludes decision-making. They identify issues for review by the program administrator and Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB), ensuring independence to avoid conflicts of interest. Verification consultants report directly to NSEB for oversight on measurement and performance issues.

Request IR-11: - 2 Reference: page 54 of the 2024 Verification Report (Section I. Residential Behavioral Program - 3 (Efficiency Insights): Currently, behavioural RCTs, of which the current program is an example, are black boxes. There is...

AI summary Request IR-11 critiques the use of behavioral RCTs in a program, arguing they are 'black boxes' without clear mechanisms for energy savings. It references Cartwright and Hardie's methodology and suggests a process evaluation to assess savings. The response notes no jurisdictions have implemented the proposed approach and questions the program's value due to minimal savings. It references Matter M12249 and highlights the need for regulatory review.

PUBLICATIONS Synapse Energy Economics, Climable, Brown University Climate and Development Lab. 2023. Power Play: Actions for New England's Equitable Energy Transition. Full report. Climable.org. Rickerson, W., E. Brousseau, A. Douglas, J....

AI summary The document lists publications by Synapse Energy Economics and affiliated organizations, focusing on energy transition, grid resilience, and regulatory frameworks. Reports address topics like distributed energy resources, energy equity, and resilience investments, commissioned by entities such as Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance, Union of Concerned Scientists, and Sandia National Laboratories.

TESTIMONY New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board (Matter No. 552). Evidence regarding review of New Brunswick Power's 2024/25 to 2026/27 DSM Program Initiatives Update. On behalf of the New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board Staff. Mar...

AI summary The document outlines multiple testimonies from regulatory proceedings in New Brunswick, Rhode Island, and New Mexico regarding energy efficiency programs and utility company initiatives. Each entry details docket numbers, entities involved, and the nature of the testimony provided by regulatory staff and legal offices.

- Providing regulatory support to the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General on the Mass Save portfolio of programs and review of Eversource's geothermal network pilot. - Providing regulatory and policy analysis assistance to the Sma...

AI summary The text outlines professional experience in providing regulatory and policy analysis for energy efficiency programs across multiple jurisdictions, including Massachusetts, California, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and New Jersey. It highlights work with various organizations and utilities on energy efficiency initiatives and regulatory support.

Chicagoland Energy Efficiency Portfolio People's Gas - Chicago, Illinois (September 2008 – January 2013) - Providing ongoing regulatory support; - Provided cost-benefit analysis of various program scenarios and aided in the analysis of con...

AI summary People's Gas provided regulatory support, conducted cost-benefit analyses for energy efficiency programs, evaluated contractor bids, and developed customized Excel tools for portfolio and cost-effectiveness analysis from 2008 to 2013 in Chicago, Illinois.

Energy Efficiency Potential in Texas Sierra Club, Texas (May 2012 – August 2012) - Research and development of alternative energy efficiency potential scenarios for the ten investor owned utilities (IOUs) in Texas; - Development of comment...

AI summary The Sierra Club conducted research on energy efficiency scenarios for Texas's ten investor-owned utilities (IOUs) between May and August 2012. Activities included developing comments for the Public Utility Commission of Texas and preparing a presentation for the Energy Efficiency Incentive Program Committee.

Energy Efficiency Potential in Arkansas Sierra Club/Audubon Society, Arkansas (September 2009 – March 2010) - Research and drafting assistance for expert testimony on energy efficiency' as an alternative to the White Bluff Steam Electric S...

AI summary The Sierra Club and Audubon Society conducted research and prepared expert testimony promoting energy efficiency as an alternative to the White Bluff Steam Electric Station. This was part of a proceeding before the Public Service Commission of Arkansas (Docket No. 09-024-U) from 2009-2010.

Testimony and Proceeding Participation Forum On Behalf Of Docket/Matter Date Issues Addressed Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board The Consumer Advocate of Nova Scotia Matter No. M10473 An Application by EfficiencyOne for Approval of a 202...

AI summary This section outlines various utility and regulatory proceedings where entities have participated, addressing topics such as demand-side management plans, rate cases, and energy efficiency proposals. It includes details on the forums, participants, and issues addressed in each proceeding.

1 2. SYNAPSE - 2 The evidence filed by Synapse makes recommendations in relation to both the DSM Extension, as well as - 3 the upcoming 2027-2031 DSM Plan, which will be subject to its own Board process in the near future. In - 4 this sect...

AI summary Synapse's evidence outlines recommendations for the DSM Extension and the upcoming 2027-2031 DSM Plan. E1 responds to these recommendations, noting ongoing stakeholder consultations and reserving the right to adjust positions based on future input. The 2027-2031 DSM Plan will undergo its own regulatory process once consultations conclude.

RESIDENTIAL BEHAVIOUR PROGRAM

AI summary The document outlines the Residential Behaviour Program, focusing on initiatives to modify consumer energy usage patterns. Key entities include Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSP) and the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB). The program involves Demand Side Management (DSM) strategies and may reference regulatory analyses such as Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA) and Total Resource Cost (TRC).

Document: 321371 IRs on Verification Report (to Peach and E1) Thursday, June 19, 2025 Responses to IRs on Verification Report Thursday, July 3, 2025 Intervenor and Board Counsel Consultant Evidence Thursday, July 17, 2025 IRs to Intervenor...

AI summary The document outlines key dates and procedures for a regulatory proceeding, including submission deadlines and the application of the Board's Regulatory Rules, particularly Rule 7(3), which specifies a 2:00 pm deadline for filings on due dates.

4.1 Industrial Group [28] The Industrial Group argues that although the specific investment amount for the 2026 DSM extension has been prescribed by the legislation, the Board must still consider whether the proposed 2026 DSM Plan is in th...

AI summary The Industrial Group argues that the Board must evaluate the 2026 DSM Plan's cost-effectiveness, reasonableness, and spending allocation to ensure ratepayer interests. Recommendations include engaging DSMAG, rejecting exclusions of savings from specific programs, addressing cybersecurity breach impacts, and coordinating data collection between E1 and NSPI. The Group also urges E1 to manage budgeted spending by customer class and address tariff amendment requirements.

5.1 Scope of 2026 DSM Extension [40] The Industrial Group argued E1 filed this application as a "one year extension," and as a result, the application lacked the full consultative approach generally employed by E1. The Industrial Group als...

AI summary The Industrial Group argues that E1's 2026 DSM extension application lacked a full consultative approach and failed to meet filing requirements. E1 defends its submission, stating it provided sufficient information and that the one-year extension does not require multi-year planning. Long-term issues, like program design and test methodologies, are to be addressed in the 2027-2031 DSM Plan.

5.1.1 Findings [43] Although the amendments that changed the term of DSM Plans from three years to five years were made in November 2022, significant changes in electricity regulation in the province were made in the Energy Reform (2024) A...

AI summary The Nova Scotia Energy Board discusses amendments to DSM Plan terms, legislative changes in the Energy Reform (2024) Act, and a one-year extension for E1's plan under the 2025 Agriculture and Energy Act. The Board concludes the extension aimed to bridge transitions under new regulations and expects E1's new plan to address prior gaps.

5.2.1 Findings [49] The Board directs E1 to continue its engagement with the DSMAG on the Standardized Filing Framework. The Board also expects E1's engagement for its new DSM Plan will include a review of E1's "balanced plan", the relevan...

AI summary The Board directs E1 to continue engagement with DSMAG on the Standardized Filing Framework and to review factors for the new DSM Plan, including the impact of the Board's decision in Matter M12282.

ort for incentive programs. Based on a review of seven jurisdictions where incentives are available for compressed air leak projects, Econoler also said none require the recommended test be performed. [54] Regarding the pattern of claims,...

AI summary Econoler reviewed savings claims for compressed air leak projects, noting no other jurisdictions require the recommended test. Savings claims began in 2022 after customer-E1 discussions, with variations due to differing leakage rates across departments. Econoler disputed a 2024 adjustment claim.

5.7 NS Power Cyber Attack [75] On August 21, 2025, E1 advised the Board that the cybersecurity incident at NS Power affected NS Power's ability to transfer customer consumption advanced metering infrastructure data to E1, resulting in the...

AI summary A cybersecurity incident at NS Power disrupted data transfer to E1, suspending E1's Residential Behaviour Program. E1 stated no material changes to 2026 programs are anticipated but committed to updates. The Board accepted E1's response but emphasized prompt issue identification.

5.8.1 Findings [80] The Board accepts E1's response and declines to direct a reallocation of investment.

AI summary The Board accepts E1's response and declines to direct a reallocation of investment. This finding underscores the Board's approval of E1's position regarding investment allocation, without mandating changes to current financial strategies.

IN THE MATTER OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES ACT - and - IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION by EFFICIENCYONE for approval of the 2026 DSM Extension for Demand-Side Management Activities between EfficiencyOne and Nova Scotia Power Inc., and for Appro...

AI summary The document pertains to an application by EfficiencyOne seeking approval for the 2026 DSM Extension and amendment to the 2023-2025 Demand-Side Management Purchase Agreement with Nova Scotia Power Inc., under the Public Utilities Act. The proceeding is before a regulatory board chaired by Stephen T. McGrath and including members Steven M. Murphy and Darlene Willcott.

James R. Gogan Direct +1 (902) 563 5920 [email protected] 292 Charlotte Street Suite 300 Sydney NS Canada B1P 1C7 Tel +1 (902) 563 1000 Fax +1 (902) 563 1113 Our File: 262880 April 30, 2025 Nova Scotia Energy Board. 3rd Floor,...

AI summary EfficiencyOne seeks approval for the 2026 DSM Extension, aligning with a legislative amendment to the Public Utilities Act that extends the 2023-2025 DSM Plan to 2026. The amendment sets a 2026 DSM investment of $63.75M and maintains program continuity with 2025 offerings. The application is not standalone but adopts the legislative extension, creating cumulative four-year performance targets.

Document: 321371 IRs on Verification Report (to Peach and E1) Thursday, June 19, 2025 Responses to IRs on Verification Report Thursday, July 3, 2025 Intervenor and Board Counsel Consultant Evidence Thursday, July 17, 2025 IRs to Intervenor...

AI summary The document outlines the schedule for various stages of a regulatory proceeding, including submission deadlines and the application of the Board's Regulatory Rules, specifically Rule 7(3), which requires filings to be submitted by 2:00 pm on due dates.

NOVA SCOTIA ENERGY BOARD IN THE MATTER OF: The PUBLIC UTILITIES ACT -and- IN THE MATTER OF: An Application by EfficiencyOne for Approval of the 2026 DSM Extension for Demand-Side Management Activities between EfficiencyOne and Nova Scotia...

AI summary The Nova Scotia Energy Board is considering EfficiencyOne's application for approval of a 2026 DSM extension and an amendment to the 2023-2025 Demand-Side Management Purchase Agreement with Nova Scotia Power Inc., under the Public Utilities Act.

NOVA SCOTIA POWER INC. TAKE NOTICE that Nova Scotia Power Inc. hereby intervenes in the above Application and Proceeding. NS Power is a regulated public utility within the definition of the Public Utilities Act engaged in the generation, t...

AI summary Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSP) intervenes in a regulatory proceeding, identifying itself as a regulated public utility under the Public Utilities Act. NSP provides contact details for its representatives, including Jennifer Ross, Krysta Russell, and June Karanja, and commits to addressing issues raised by the Energy Board.

NOTICE OF INTERVENTION OF: K + S Windsor Salt Ltd. CKF Inc. Crown Fibre Tube Inc. Irving Shipbuilding Inc. Maritime Paper Products Ltd. Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. Oxford Frozen Foods Limited Compass Minerals Canada Corp. Farnell...

AI summary The Industrial Group, comprising multiple large and medium industrial companies, seeks to intervene in the proceeding. They are customers of NSPI, and the outcome will affect their costs and rates. The issues may relate to those established by the NSEB.

NOVA SCOTIA ENERGY BOARD IN THE MATTER OF: The Public Utilities Act – and – IN THE MATTER OF: An Application by EfficiencyOne for approval of the 2026 DSM Extension for Demand-Side Management Activities between EfficiencyOne and Nova Scoti...

AI summary The Nova Scotia Energy Board is considering an application by EfficiencyOne for approval of the 2026 DSM Extension and amendment to the 2023-2025 Demand-Side Management Purchase Agreement with Nova Scotia Power Inc., under the Public Utilities Act.

Request IR-4: - Regarding complaints, for the years 2020 to 2025 year-to-date: - a) Please state how many complaints were received each year. - b) For each year, please identify the percentage of those complaints that were related to regul...

AI summary Request IR-4 seeks data on complaints received by E1 from 2020 to 2025, including annual counts, percentages related to regulated vs. non-regulated programs, and sources (customers vs. contractors). It also asks whether non-regulated complaints impact regulated programs, resolution processes for unresolved complaints, and the existence of a written complaint resolution policy.

NOVA SCOTIA ENERGY BOARD IN THE MATTER OF: THE PUBLIC UTILITIES ACT - and - IN THE MATTER OF: AN APPLICATION by EfficiencyOne for Approval of the 2026 DSM Extension for Demand-Side Management Activities between EfficiencyOne and Nova Scoti...

AI summary The Nova Scotia Energy Board is considering an application by EfficiencyOne for approval of a 2026 Demand-Side Management (DSM) extension and an amendment to the 2023-2025 DSM Purchase Agreement with Nova Scotia Power Inc., under the Public Utilities Act.

1 M12249 2 3 4 NOVA SCOTIA ENERGY BOARD 5 6 7 IN THE MATTER OF: The Public Utilities Act 8 – and – 9 10 11 12 13 IN THE MATTER OF an application by EFFICIENCYONE for approval of the 2026 DSM Extension for Demand-Side Management Activities...

AI summary The Nova Scotia Energy Board is considering EfficiencyOne's application for a 2026 DSM Extension and amendment to a 2023-2025 Demand-Side Management Purchase Agreement with Nova Scotia Power Inc. The Consumer Advocate has requested information from H. Gil Peach & Associates LLC, with responses due July 3, 2025.

General The Industrial Group submits that while this application has been filed as a one-year "extension plan", it lacks the full consultative approach generally employed by E1 and E1 did not fulfill all the standardized filing requirement...

AI summary The Industrial Group criticizes E1's extension plan for lacking consultative approach and failing to comply with NSUARB directives on cost-effectiveness testing and data disclosure. E1's 'balanced plan' spending (51% residential, 49% BNI) contrasts with unbalanced energy savings (35% residential, 65% BNI). The Industrial Group supports E1's adoption of updated census data for equity spending but calls for DSMAG review of E1's planning framework.

sup>](#page-7-5) Exhibit E-4, E1 (IG) RIR-8(b). 3. Continue to manage program spending variances compared to DSM Plan and explain changes greater than 25% in its quarterly and annual progress report. E1 asserts that it is "imperative" that...

AI summary E1 seeks flexibility to reallocate funding between programs based on rate class spending, opposing class caps that could hinder customer participation. The Industrial Group argues that 25% spending variances constitute 'substantial changes' and urges the NSUARB to direct E1 to manage spending within reasonable ranges to avoid annual disruptions.

2. SMALL BUSINESS ADVOCATE - 2 The Submission filed by the Small Business Advocate recommends that stakeholder concerns raised in the - 3 2026 DSM Extension that relate to the upcoming 2027-2031 DSM Plan and its associated regulatory - 4 p...

AI summary The Small Business Advocate recommends deferring stakeholder concerns related to the 2026 DSM Extension to the next DSM Plan application (2027-2031), focusing on demand response programs' cost-effectiveness and value concepts from the Peach Report. E1 supports this recommendation.

5.1.1 Findings [43] Although the amendments that changed the term of DSM Plans from three years to five years were made in November 2022, significant changes in electricity regulation in the province were made in the Energy Reform (2024) A...

AI summary The document outlines regulatory changes affecting Nova Scotia's Demand-Side Management (DSM) Plans, including a legislative extension from three to five years. Key legislation includes the Energy Reform (2024) Act and An Act Respecting Agriculture, Energy and Natural Resources (2025). The Nova Scotia Energy Board's role and the transition of Efficiency Nova Scotia (E1) to a five-year planning cycle are highlighted, with references to Matter M12282.

5.5.1 Findings [73] The concerns raised by the Industrial Group are serious. The potential for E1 to proceed with relatively unrestrained changes to ensure it meets its own performance targets and objectives at the cost of hardship and pre...

AI summary The Board acknowledges concerns from the Industrial Group about E1's potential to prioritize its performance targets over ratepayer interests, particularly with DSM Plans reviewed every five years. The Board finds the current process unbalanced, requiring E1 to engage DSMAG and revise mid-course adjustment procedures in its DSM Plan application.