B-1Proposed Tariffs - Amended March 2, 2011 2/28/2011
6 passages
27 Q. WOULD IT BE POSSIBLE TO DEVELOP FEED-IN TARIFFS FOR OTHER 28 TECHNOLOGIES OR FOR MORE SPECIFIC NARROWER CATEGORIES OF THE 29 SPECIFIED TECHNOLOGIES? 30 A. Yes, that could be done. In the Renewable Electricity Regulations (Regulations...
AI summary The respondent confirms that developing Feed-In Tariffs (FITs) for other technologies or narrower categories is possible, citing the Renewable Electricity Regulations' requirement for tariff differentiation. Examples include separate tariffs for wind projects ≤50 kW and >50 kW, and a separate proceeding for tidal energy. The respondent emphasizes adherence to the Regulations' prescriptive requirements.
1 A. The project team reviewed the various models used in other jurisdictions. We began with 2 the discounted cash flow model developed in the proceeding to establish FIT rates in 3 Vermont in 2009. In our judgment this model offered a goo...
AI summary The project team evaluated models from other jurisdictions, starting with the discounted cash flow model used in Vermont's 2009 FIT proceeding. The model was praised for its transparency and detail, and was shared with stakeholders for review. Adjustments were made to better fit Nova Scotia's context.
11 Q. HOW DOES YOUR PROPOSED LARGE WIND RATE COMPARE WITH OTHER 12 BENCHMARKS? 13 A. We have proposed a flat rate of $139 per MWh. In Vermont, the FIT for wind between 14 100 kW and 2.2 MW starts at $112 per MWh in 2010 and escalates to $1...
AI summary The respondent proposes a flat rate of $139 per MWh for large wind projects, comparing it to benchmarks such as Vermont's FIT, Ontario's FIT, and prices from recent Nova Scotia Power Inc. RFPs. The rate is slightly higher than Ontario's $135 per MWh and considers factors like community ownership and U.S. grants.
12 Q. WHAT DID THIS SCENARIO ANALYSIS SHOW? - 13 A. The COMFIT rates for the two scenarios are shown below. - 14 At a facility that needs a new boiler imminently $147 per MWh; - 15 At a facility that will need a new boiler in ten years $15...
AI summary The scenario analysis shows that COMFIT rates are lower for facilities needing immediate boiler replacement compared to those needing replacement in ten years. The cost increase for the latter is only about 6%, indicating that the cost of electricity does not rise sharply even with some equipment life remaining.
2 Q. HOW DOES THIS RATE COMPARE WITH OTHER BENCHMARKS? 3 A. The Vermont biomass FIT starts at $121 per MWh in 2010 and escalates to $141 in 4 2019 (in nominal dollars). Projects are required to be CHP projects, are required to meet 5 a "de...
AI summary The response compares the COMFIT rate with biomass FIT rates in Vermont and Ontario. Vermont's rate starts at $121 per MWh with a 30% subsidy and CHP requirements, while Ontario's rate starts at $138 per MWh with no CHP requirement. The COMFIT rate is expected to be higher than Vermont's but possibly lower than Ontario's due to project size and ownership differences.
03-01-2011 Nov a S ia C OM FIT Mo del cot Win d ≤ 50 kW Ca sh Flo w W ork she Top et: Syn e E aps xhi bit I Stat e/Pr ovin cial 1 1,51 0 2,90 5 717 (401 ) (985 ) (1,3 04) (1,4 93) (1,6 20) (1,7 19) (1,8 06) (1,8 80) (1,8 80) (1,8 79) (1,8...
AI summary The document presents a table with financial data related to a FIT (Feed-In Tariff) model, including provincial and federal tax benefits and liabilities, as well as equity investments. The data shows numerical values across different categories and time periods.
B-4Redacted Direct Testimony and Exhibits of Paul Chernick - on behalf of CA 3/17/2011
2 passages
1 Table 2: Comparison of Existing and Proposed FIT Rates Technology and Size Jurisdiction Starting Price $/MWh Percent of Price Escalating with Inflation Levelized Price 2012$/MWh Potential Community Adder Biomass unknown Nova Scotia (SEE)...
AI summary Table 2 compares existing and proposed FIT (Feed-in Tariff) rates across various jurisdictions and technologies, including biomass, hydro, and wind. It highlights differences in starting prices, inflation escalation, levelized prices, and potential community adders for different sizes and technologies.
Exhibit PLC-1: NSPI 2011 ACE Plan UARB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 1 of 1 Summary of RES Compliance Status Nova Scotia Renewable Energy Supply 2011 2013 2015 2020 Source Energy NS Electricity Sales Forecast (GWh) (Note 1) 11,603 11,558 11,328 1...
AI summary The document outlines Nova Scotia Power Inc.'s (NSPI) 2011 Alternative Compliance Plan (ACE Plan) under the Renewable Energy Supply (RES) requirements. It provides a timeline of renewable energy supply targets, including forecasted electricity sales, RES requirements, and contributions from various sources such as hydro, biomass, and wind. The plan also highlights shortfalls and potential options for meeting future renewable energy goals.
B-27Excerpt from Combined Heat and Power Partnership - Funding Resources 4/7/2011
2 passages
Type of Incentive: - 4i< The fLnQHcji:tLlnc~ntjyes .QQ9~ includes grants, tax incentives, low-interest loans, favorable utility rates, tradable allowances, and renewable portfolio standards-all of which could help CHP project developers or...
AI summary The text discusses types of incentives available to support combined heat and power (CHP) and biomass project development, including grants, tax incentives, low-interest loans, and renewable portfolio standards. It also mentions regulatory measures that remove barriers to CHP and biomass project development, such as standardized interconnection rules and net metering rules.
- 4i< R~gulatory Treatment Name IY'P-e Eligibility Statg CT Natural Gas Rates Rebate СНР CT CT New Energy Technology Program Grant Biomass, CHP СТ CT Onsite Renewable Distributed Generation Program Grant Biomass, CHP CT Biomass, CT Propert...
AI summary The text lists various programs and policies related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and tax exemptions across different states and provinces. These programs include rebates, grants, loans, and tax exemptions aimed at promoting the use of biomass, CHP, and renewable energy technologies.
07337Board Decision
4 passages
- [1] The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (the "Board") held a hearing to determine Renewable Energy Community Based Feed-in Tariffs ("COMFIT"), pursuant to recent changes to the Electricity Act, S.N.S. 2004, c. 25 (the "Act') and the...
AI summary The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board conducted a consultative process involving Synapse Energy Economics, Inc. and Intervenors to set Renewable Energy Community Based Feed-in Tariffs ('COMFIT'), following changes to the Electricity Act and Renewable Electricity Regulations.
2.0 BACKGROUND [10] In April 2010, the Province released its "Renewable Electricity Plan", which sets out a detailed program to move Nova Scotia away from carbon-based electricity towards greener, more local sources. That Plan includes con...
AI summary In 2010, Nova Scotia released a Renewable Electricity Plan aiming to transition to greener energy sources and set renewable electricity targets. Amendments to the Electricity Act and the Renewable Electricity Regulations followed, establishing a 25% renewable electricity target by 2015 and 40% by 2020. The COMFIT tariff allows community organizations to generate and sell renewable electricity to the grid.
4.1 Synapse Model - [29] Synapse led the consultative process with the formal intervenors. Synapse proposed the adoption of a discounted cash flow model used to set feed-in tariffs in Vermont, USA in 2009. Under this model (the "FIT model"...
AI summary Synapse proposed using a discounted cash flow model, similar to one used in Vermont in 2009, to set feed-in tariffs for COMFIT projects. The model was adjusted to fit Nova Scotia's context after stakeholder consultations, and was generally well-received by intervenors despite some challenges to specific assumptions.
9.1 Definitions [141 ] The tariff to be set for a Biomass CHP is defined in the Regulations as follows: 18(4) The tariff for biomass must apply only to the electricity produced from a combined heat and power plant. [142] Generally the COMF...
AI summary The document discusses the definition and operational parameters of biomass combined heat and power (CHP) plants under Nova Scotia regulations. It highlights challenges in defining CHP, including the lack of clear efficiency or operational time requirements, and provides technical details about steam host needs and boiler sizes for sawmills. Stakeholders such as ANSS and Synapse are involved in the discussion.
07337Board Decision
3 passages
- [1] The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (the "Board") held a hearing to determine Renewable Energy Community Based Feed-in Tariffs ("COMFIT"), pursuant to recent changes to the Electricity Act, S.N.S. 2004, c. 25 (the "Act') and the...
AI summary The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board conducted a hearing to determine Renewable Energy Community-Based Feed-in Tariffs (COMFIT) under the Electricity Act and Renewable Electricity Regulations. A consultative process with Intervenors and Synapse Energy Economics, Inc. was initiated to set the tariffs, following a detailed schedule of technical sessions, submissions, and a hearing.
9.1 Definitions [141 ] The tariff to be set for a Biomass CHP is defined in the Regulations as follows: 18(4) The tariff for biomass must apply only to the electricity produced from a combined heat and power plant. [142] Generally the COMF...
AI summary This section defines the terms and parameters related to biomass combined heat and power (CHP) plants under Nova Scotia regulations. It discusses the definition of CHP, the lack of precise regulatory guidance, and input from Synapse, ANSS, and the Province. Parameters such as boiler sizes and steam loads are outlined for both CHP and steam-only plants.
14.0 SUMMARY [277] The Board held a hearing to determine Renewable Energy Community Based Feed-in Tariffs ("COMFIT"), pursuant to recent changes to the Electricity Act and the Renewable Electricity Regulations. [278] While there is no over...
AI summary The Board conducted a hearing to determine COMFIT tariffs under the Electricity Act and Renewable Electricity Regulations. The Province expects COMFIT projects to use about 100 MW of grid capacity. Synapse used a FIT model to calculate tariffs that provide a reasonable return on equity for project owners, and the methodology was generally well-received by intervenors.
07604Compliance Filing 8/2/2011
3 passages
IN THE MATTER OF THE ELECTRICITY ACT - and - IN THE MATTER OF a hearing to determine Renewable Energy Community Based Feed-in Tariffs Compliance Filing by Synapse Energy Economics Corrected version, submitted August 4, 2011 This version of...
AI summary Synapse Energy Economics submitted a corrected compliance filing in response to the Board's July 4, 2011 Decision, adjusting proposed COMFIT tariff rates for wind and biomass CHP projects. Adjustments included revised capacity factors, interconnection costs, and operational assumptions, while in-stream tidal and small hydro rates remained unchanged.
Page 2 Large Wind 8-2-11 no tax Nov a S ia C OM FIT Mo del cot Ca sh Flo w W ork she Bot et: tom Syn e C aps lian om p ce Lar Win ge d n o ta x Expe nse Amo unt
AI summary The document appears to be a table related to the COMFIT model, which involves cost of money, financing, interest, and tax, specifically for a large wind project in Nova Scotia with no tax considerations.
Nova Scotia COMFIT Model Depreciation Worksheet: Bottom Synapse Compliance Large Wind, Taxable Owner Ope ratin Yea g r 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 EBI TDA 43,0 95 42,9 70 42,8 43 42,7 13 42,5 80 42,4 46 42,3 08 42,...
AI summary The document presents a depreciation worksheet for the Nova Scotia COMFIT Model, focusing on the Bottom Synapse Compliance Large Wind project with a taxable owner. It includes EBITDA values over a 20-year period, illustrating financial projections for the project.
20110404-1Hearing Transcript — 4/4/2011 (Synapse)
4 passages
NOVA SCOTIA UTILITY AND REVIEW BOARD IN THE MATTER OF: The Electricity Act, 2004, c. 25 - and - IN THE MATTER OF: Section 18 of the Renewable Electricity Regulations, N.S. Regs. 155/2010 (Renewable Energy Community Feed-in Tariffs) _______...
AI summary This document pertains to a regulatory proceeding under the Electricity Act, 2004, and Section 18 of the Renewable Electricity Regulations, focusing on Renewable Energy Community Feed-in Tariffs.
- all you can think of? Page 64 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 18 that, you use economic criteria as if this was a 19 commercial undertaking, these were to be commercial 20 undertakings by commercial entities out in the general 21 marketplace. You meas...
AI summary The discussion centers on evaluating the success of a proposed tariff using commercial criteria rather than community-based criteria. The participants question whether community projects can be financially viable under such criteria and whether a community-based approach would be more appropriate.
- portion on a 50/50 split between the cost of steam and the - cost of electricity could be appropriate. - MS. SHAW: I don't know that I know if - 50/50 is appropriate under those conditions or not. - MS. RUBIN: Well, you said that so - lo...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the allocation of costs between steam and electricity in a CHP system. Ms. Shaw expresses uncertainty about a 50/50 split, while Ms. Rubin notes that it is a common allocation method when CHP qualifications are ensured through other mechanisms.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS MR. VOGEL : I'll try and be brief. 1 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 285 THE CHAIR: No, I didn't mean to hurry 2 My question is with respect to this 3 precedent of the claimed reasons by NSPI in their...
AI summary The discussion centers on the 20-megawatt cap on net metering imposed by NSPI, citing distribution capacity constraints and inability to guarantee connection requests. The Chair questions whether this precedent would raise perceived risks for COMFIT's interconnection and equity through debt lending. Mr. Keith responds that a project would confirm capacity and interconnection queue placement before financing, thus not necessarily raising the cost of capital.
20110405-1Hearing Transcript — 4/5/2011 (Synapse Panel, ANSS Panel)
11 passages
NOVA SCOTIA UTILITY AND REVIEW BOARD IN THE MATTER OF: The Electricity Act, 2004, c. 25 - and - IN THE MATTER OF: Section 18 of the Renewable Electricity Regulations, N.S. Regs. 155/2010 (Renewable Energy Community Feed-in Tariffs) _______...
AI summary This document pertains to a regulatory proceeding under the Electricity Act, 2004, and Section 18 of the Renewable Electricity Regulations, focusing on Renewable Energy Community Feed-in Tariffs.
- was the 1.5 percent as well? Page 388 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 10 could slide one or two directions and in fact they did 11 slide to allow for increase in rates around debt to equity 12 ratio, we moved from 60/40 down to 50/50. 13 MR. ROSCOE: M...
AI summary The discussion revolves around adjustments to the debt-to-equity ratio and debt terms in the context of feed-in tariff regimes, with considerations about the balance between setting rates too low or too high, and the impact on projects and ratepayers.
- Bloomberg New Energy Finance Index, turbine index. 1 Page 416 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 MR. PYNN: Okay. So you didn't speak 15 MR. DEVEAU: So you don't think the 51 16 percent requirement would negatively impact that figure? 17 Because the numbe...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the potential impact of a 51 percent community ownership requirement on the ability to source energy projects through municipalities. The participants are questioning whether this requirement would negatively affect existing figures and project co-operation.
- The annual steam revenue is $1.5 million from the plant. - The annual electricity revenue at your proposed - electricity rate is $11 million. - So we have a plant here that's - generating a lot of electricity and not that much steam. - M...
AI summary The text discusses a plant's revenue from steam and electricity, with a focus on reconfiguring the plant to balance electricity and steam production. Mr. Coady questions the feasibility of such a reconfiguration, and Mr. Keith supports the idea, emphasizing the importance of district energy solutions and climate change considerations.
- cost project cost. - MR. DOEHLER: Mr. Chernick takes - exception to your inflation factor in his evidence. I - believe he's, in his evidence, talking about 3.6 percent - and your inflation factor is around 1.75. Any comment - about that?...
AI summary The discussion revolves around a disagreement over inflation factors, with Mr. Doehler questioning Mr. Keith's use of a 1.92% rate based on Nova Scotia Power's 2009 IRP update, contrasting it with Mr. Chernick's 3.6% figure.
disagreement. 2 MR. DOEHLER: The next one; I know a 3 fair amount of questions have been asked about the 13 4 percent, 15 percent. And a lot of it seemed to be based 5 on Heritage Gas. If I have it correctly from the 6 testimony yesterday,...
AI summary The discussion focuses on the risk assessment of a project compared to Heritage Gas and Greenfield utility projects. The speaker questions whether the risk profile has been adequately analyzed and compared to similar projects, with the respondent citing Board decisions and analysis as the basis for their assessment.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS So if someone has a field of four 12 1 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 449 and a half kilowatts is that or let's say a field of 9 Why do you say the word "common"? 10 MS. SHAW: I'm sorry. What line ar...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the common practice of calculating the cost of a steam-only scenario in projects where combined heat and power (CHP) is not pursued, as mentioned in a regulatory proceeding context.
- tariff. Page 490 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 9 MR. DEVEAU: And that's one issue 10 in particular, they're saying that they'd like to see an 11 increase for the higher labour costs associated with the 12 boiler engineers in relation to CHP. And the...
AI summary The discussion centers on the need to increase rates to account for higher labour costs related to boiler engineers required to be on-site 24/7 under legislative requirements for CHP systems. The Sawmillers Association has raised concerns about the classification of facilities and the applicability of these requirements to existing steam-only plants.
as well? MR. KEITH : Yeah, I can speak to Vermont and Ontario. And there is in the a requirement for biomass in Vermont. Page 504 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS MR. DEVEAU : Tariff requirement or a regulati...
AI summary The discussion touches on efficiency standards in Vermont and biomass requirements in Ontario, particularly regarding combined heat and power (CHP) projects and feed-in tariffs. The participants clarify that in Ontario, there is no requirement for biomass to be part of a CHP project to qualify for the feed-in tariff.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS set by the Board; is that possible the way you see it? 1 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 549 MR. TRAVIS: Well, no. I mean, we 1 And I wanted to point that out, that I 2 think St. F.X. certainly does q...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the efficiency of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems compared to traditional electricity generation, with stakeholders highlighting the benefits of CHP in terms of overall system efficiency and potential biases in FIT programs that may not fully account for these benefits.
- enough to permit all of your members to develop CHP - projects or only a portion of them. But what I think I - will do as, as you're going to put forward a different - number - MR. TRAVIS : Right. - MR. McGRATH : is ask that question - i...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the Community Feed-in Tariff (COMFIT) and its basis on the cost of generating electricity for a 2.4 megawatt plant, which is considered reasonable for the scale of the largest members of the organization.
20110407-1Hearing Transcript — 4/7/2011 (Consumer Adv. Panel, Cdn. Wind Energy Panel, EAC - T. Couture)
8 passages
NOVA SCOTIA UTILITY AND REVIEW BOARD IN THE MATTER OF: The Electricity Act, 2004, c. 25 - and - IN THE MATTER OF: Section 18 of the Renewable Electricity Regulations, N.S. Regs. 155/2010 (Renewable Energy Community Feed-in Tariffs) _______...
AI summary This document pertains to a regulatory proceeding under the Electricity Act, 2004, and Section 18 of the Renewable Electricity Regulations, focusing on Renewable Energy Community Feed-in Tariffs.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS MR. TOWSE : Thank you. Thank you for 1 Page 950 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 MR. CHERNICK: Yes. 12 quite happy to provide you with you know with the links 13 that will enable you to find that informatio...
AI summary The discussion centers on the rate of return for community energy projects, referencing examples like CEDIFS and COMFIT. There is a reference to renewable energy targets and the role of NSPI and independent power producers in meeting them by 2015.
- term, while the projects from the RFP were sitting on the - shelf. - Now, this is my sort of reading from - the documents in the various cases I've been in. - And then the company filed with the - Board for a change in the queuing proced...
AI summary The discussion centers on NSPI's actions in response to transmission queue issues, including purchasing turbines and co-owning projects to keep processes moving. The Board's decision on queuing procedures is referenced, and the impact on COMFIT projects is mentioned. The discussion also touches on incentives like CEDIFs.
report back. 1 If NSPI is prepared to undertake to 2 produce it, that would be the more direct way, I would 3 think. 4 THE CHAIR: Why don't you and 5 Ms. Godbout chat about it and see how we might most 6 effectively do it? NSPI hasn't prod...
AI summary The discussion involves NSPI's reluctance to produce a witness due to confidentiality concerns and a question regarding community eligibility requirements for feed-in tariffs in other jurisdictions, specifically referencing Ontario's provisions.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS be clear. Six percent is debt, 11 percent is equity on 1 small wind, large wind and hydro; on biomass and tidal, 2 you have accepted the recommendations of Synapse. 3 Correct? 4 MR. CHERNICK:...
AI summary The discussion centers on the financing structure for renewable energy projects, specifically the allocation of debt and equity. The parties reference Synapse's recommendations and discuss the assumption that technology developers will finance projects with a 6% return on a demonstration project, which is based on 100% equity.
- And so I subtracted that value, - whether it's the avoided fuel or avoided renewables, from - the total payments under the COMFIT and got those two - lines, the dollars saved per year if avoiding either base - fuel or the RFP renewables....
AI summary The speaker discusses calculating the financial impact of the COMFIT program by subtracting avoided fuel and renewable costs from total payments, resulting in percentage increases in costs for NSPI. The Chair clarifies that these percentages are not simply additive.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS MR. LEVY: I could also I'd be very NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 1073 1 happy to provide that presentation insofar as the Board 2 wishes to for your review. 3 MR. DEVEAU: Sure, okay. Yes, that 4 wil...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the data collection process for capacity factors by Natural Resources Canada, the source of data from Heli-Max, and the use of assumptions from a Quebec study for determining an appropriate FIT rate. The participants are confirming data sources and the scope of the data collection.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS Allen study, given the assumption I think you raise a 1 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 1181 good point, that based on the assumption that they were 8 happens, and provided it's capped as the Regulati...
AI summary The discussion revolves around biomass feed-in tariffs and their fuel escalator mechanisms. The speaker notes that biomass feed-in tariffs typically do not include long-term contracts and instead use shorter terms with periodic tariff revisions. The Vermont tariff is referenced as a potential example.