E-1Evidence - 2012 DSM Plan 2/28/2011
17 passages
The Efficient Products program offers a unique opportunity for low-income customers to receive assistance in acquiring efficient products. Additionally, some products may be provided to low-income customers free of charge. The Nova Scotia...
AI summary The Efficient Products program provides low-income customers with assistance in acquiring efficient products, potentially free of charge. ENSC manages the recycling of retired appliances and collaborates with sustainability-focused organizations like the Resource Recovery Fund Board.
4.7 Renewable Heating Strategy The objective of the Renewable Heating strategy is to create a broad renewable/advanced heating strategy for the province. The strategy will be designed to reduce electric space and domestic water heating loa...
AI summary The Renewable Heating Strategy aims to reduce electric heating loads and greenhouse gas emissions by promoting renewable heating technologies such as wood pellets, solar hot water heating, and ground source heat pumps. ENSC will collaborate with stakeholders to develop regulatory frameworks and seek funding partnerships to support local economic development and infrastructure.
ENSC Electricity DSM Review Program / Scope of POTENTIA L SAVINGS PRINCIPAL RECOMMENDATIONS Financing Policy Major New Initiative Expand on-bill financing to residential Transferable financing (on-bill or PACE) Building Labelling Policy Ma...
AI summary The ENSC Electricity DSM Review outlines several major new initiatives and recommendations, including expanding on-bill financing, supporting building labelling policies, exploring code compliance, developing training programs, creating a renewable heating strategy, and leveraging government partnerships to drive energy efficiency and sustainability efforts.
advantages. 10 Ultimately, should a single test be required to screen the DSM plan or its components, we would urge that it take into consideration the shortcomings highlighted above. RISK The requirement for individual measures to pass th...
AI summary The document criticizes the use of the Total Resource Cost (TRC) as a screening mechanism for Demand Side Management (DSM) plans, arguing that it is unduly restrictive and may lead to unintended consequences, such as discouraging the adoption of cost-effective technologies. It recommends moving away from measure-level TRC requirements to plan-level cost-effectiveness evaluations and exploring alternatives to the TRC.
ENSC Electricity DSM Review Program / Scope of Potentia l Savings Principal Recommendations Financing Policy Major New Initiative Expand on-bill financing to residential Transferable financing (on-bill or PACE) Building Labelling Policy Ma...
AI summary This document outlines recommendations for the ENSC Electricity DSM Review, focusing on initiatives such as expanding on-bill financing, supporting building labeling policies, and developing a renewable heating industry strategy. These proposals aim to enhance energy efficiency and support long-term code development and training programs.
PERFORMANCE PLUS (NEW HOMES) OVERVIEW: Conserve Nova Scotia has just launched (Sept 2010) a revamped new construction program due to recent (December 2009) changes in building code (performance path requiring Energuide 80, prescriptive pat...
AI summary Conserve Nova Scotia launched the Performance Plus (New Homes) program in September 2010 to encourage energy-efficient construction in response to updated building codes. The program includes subsidized Energuide assessments, prescriptive rebates, and incentives for solar-ready and solar thermal installations, with a cap of 1,200 homes. The program requires air or hydronic heating systems, excluding electric resistance heating, which is seen as inefficient and limits future fuel switching options.
DEVELOPMENT AND RESEARCH OVERVIEW: Development and Research (D&R) efforts in the current DSM Plan encompass market assessments, technology reviews, staff development, baseline studies and demonstration projects. To date, a substantial port...
AI summary The Development and Research (D&R) section of the DSM Plan includes market assessments, technology reviews, and pilot programs. The 2011 budget funds a residential fuel substitution pilot. ENSC is advised to consider broader D&R definitions, including experimental program designs and emerging technologies like cold-climate heat pumps. D&R activities may support long-term DSM targets by replenishing savings opportunities.
RENEWABLE HEATING STRATEGY OVERVIEW: Nova Scotia has access to a wide array of renewable heating systems, including solar thermal (hot water and hot air), biomass (wood pellets, cordwood, wood chips, agricultural waste) and, to some extent...
AI summary Nova Scotia has access to various renewable heating systems, including solar thermal, biomass, and ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs). ENSC currently offers incentives for GSHPs but not for switching from electricity to renewable heating. Solar and biomass heating systems are still in early stages in the province, though some European jurisdictions have successfully developed renewable heating industries through long-term incentives and private entrepreneurship.
ENSC Electricity DSM Review own and operate the ground loop portion of GSHPs systems – the most expensive, complex and longterm aspect of system. By owning the ground loops and selling the resulting heat to consumers, utilities add a renew...
AI summary The document discusses the potential of ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) as a renewable heating resource, highlighting the need for market transformation strategies to expand their adoption in Nova Scotia. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration between ENSC, the provincial government, and private industry to develop new systems, supply chains, and ownership models. The potential contribution to long-term DSM targets is considered very significant, particularly in residential new construction and retrofit markets.
SCOPE OF PILOT The original scope of the pilot, as directed by NSPI in July 2010, was as follows: - Measures : space heating and water heating equipment only. - Fuels: conversions to natural gas, wood pellets, propane, and cordwood 1 - Reg...
AI summary The pilot program, directed by NSPI in 2010, focuses on fuel substitution in single-family homes, targeting space and water heating with natural gas, wood pellets, propane, and cordwood. It excludes heating oil due to environmental and economic concerns. The program's scope, budget, and duration are outlined, with potential for future expansion to multifamily buildings.
ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES Electric-baseboard (EBB) heating is by far the most common electric heating in Nova Scotia, with 72% of electrically-heated homes. This creates a problem for fuel substitution programs because of the lack of a heat...
AI summary The document discusses challenges and opportunities in converting electric baseboard-heated homes in Nova Scotia to alternative heating systems. Market actors recommend air-source heat pumps for bungalows with unfinished basements and ductless mini-splits for other homes. For non-ASHP options, boilers with radiators are preferred for multi-storey homes with finished basements due to minimal disruption, while forced air furnaces are more costly and disruptive.
OVERVIEW Wood pellets are potentially a very interesting fuel for Nova Scotia and of particular interest for electric fuel substitution. Aside from cord wood heating, which requires back-up heat and significant operations and maintenance e...
AI summary Wood pellets are presented as a potentially cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to electric space heating in Nova Scotia. They are currently used mainly in pellet stoves, but the document recommends including pellet stoves, boilers, and furnaces in a pilot program to assess their cost-effectiveness and energy savings, as well as to develop experience with new technologies.
Residential Fuel Substitution Pilot Program Several key success factors are present in regions such as Austria and Sweden, where pellets and other biomass sources make up a significant portion of residential heating fuels. Firstly, advance...
AI summary The text discusses the potential for a residential fuel substitution pilot program in Nova Scotia, focusing on the use of wood pellets for heating. It highlights success factors from Europe, such as advanced equipment and bulk delivery systems, and suggests that a market transformation effort could be beneficial for ENSC and the provincial government.
Residential Fuel Substitution Pilot Program This data illustrate clearly that EBB homes without access to gas makes up by far the largest market for the pilot program, followed distantly by ECH homes without access to gas. This accentuates...
AI summary The Residential Fuel Substitution Pilot Program targets homes without gas access, particularly EBB homes, emphasizing the importance of wood and wood pellet measures. Gas conversions are expected to come from a small market that may grow at a 20% annual rate, reaching 17,000 homes by 2020.
MARKET ACTOR REPORTS Market actors (HVAC contractors and equipment retailers) contacted as part of measure characterization were also asked their sense of current levels of interest in fuel substitution. - Wood Stoves were reported to be a...
AI summary Market actors in Nova Scotia report that wood stoves are popular, while interest in wood pellet stoves peaked in 2008 but has since declined. Gas heating systems and domestic hot water systems are well established. Pellet boilers and furnaces are not widely used, though some suppliers offer standard systems. The challenge lies in penetrating the EBB market and ensuring support for EBB conversions.
PHASE 1: Energy Conservation (Years 1 and 2) Energy accounts for 46% of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the province of Nova Scotia. Reducing energy is the first priority of the Green Schools program, and is the main area in which schools can...
AI summary The Green Schools Nova Scotia program aims to reduce energy use in schools through behavioral and operational changes, with a focus on cutting heat and lighting costs. An Energy Guide, adapted from Ontario EcoSchools, is proposed to assist schools in achieving these goals, while ensuring alignment with Nova Scotia's curriculum and local context.
PHASE 2: Transportation (Proposed to Introduce in Year 3) Transportation is the second largest emitter of Greenhouse Gases in Nova Scotia (at 13% of total GHGs), and is promoted as the second priority of Green Schools Environment Improveme...
AI summary Phase 2 of the transportation initiative, proposed for Year 3, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by promoting sustainable transportation practices in schools. Green Schools Nova Scotia (GSNS) plans to implement a 'Smart Driver for School Bus' program, including vehicle upgrades, improved maintenance, and better driving practices, as well as initiatives like carpooling, anti-idling, and active transportation options.
E-6ENSC (EAC) IR-1 to IR-43 (Revised April 6, 2011) 3/29/2011
7 passages
ikely to be Spanish speaking. They were also lower income. share of the college-educated in the block group. We expect that environmentalists are more likely to live in liberal, educated communities. We have access to two other revealed pr...
AI summary The text analyzes factors influencing household participation in renewable energy programs, linking environmentalism to education, political affiliation, and income. It describes a study using voter data and a 2009 survey of Home Energy Report (HER) recipients, noting differences in electricity consumption and demographics between treatment and control groups.
Table 5: Predicted Treatment Effects by Ideology Treatment Effect Std. Err. Registered liberal, pays for renewable energy, donates to environmental groups, and in top 75th percentile liberal block group -0.031 0.000 75th percentile Registe...
AI summary Table 5 presents predicted treatment effects by ideology, showing varying impacts on renewable energy payments, environmental donations, and electricity usage. Results indicate significant differences in treatment effects between registered liberals and conservatives, with statistical significance noted at the 1% level.
Table 4: PSE Projected Cost Savings and Environmental Impact Per Household - kWh Monthly Quarterly Reduction kWh/day 0.41 0.33 Total kWh reduction in a year 148.55 121.53 Total kWh savings in a year $ 13.68 $ 11.19 Per Household - therms R...
AI summary The text presents a table outlining projected cost savings and environmental impacts of a PSE project, including reductions in kWh and therms per household, annual savings, and CO2 emissions reductions. The second table compares variables between experimental and control groups, such as house square foot, age, and value.
ctors, NSPI can in the future consider how such a characteristic would also enable load following services/wind integration. The specific justifications and business cases to compare options for their load following capability or other ope...
AI summary The document discusses NSPI's consideration of load following services and wind integration, as well as responses to stakeholder suggestions regarding CAES costs and capacity factors. Alton Gas and Avon provided input on technical and operational aspects of energy projects, with NSPI outlining its approach to modeling and further investigation.
ions/Comments Bookend Base Case at a level between proposed low and base. Response NSPI does not intend to have a Lower Load World run in the 2009 IRP Update. To the extent that this World is less likely to be the future direction, the pri...
AI summary NSPI does not plan to include a Lower Load World in the 2009 IRP Update, focusing instead on higher load scenarios. The cost assumptions for wind energy and other renewables are based on projected changes in technology costs and performance. The stakeholder also suggests reducing CO2 emissions to 5.5M tonnes by 2030.
Introduction On September 22, 2009, NSPI issued the Analysis Results to stakeholders. On September 30, NSPI facilitated a Technical Conference for participants at which the Analysis Results were presented. Participants were provided an opp...
AI summary NSPI issued analysis results in 2009 and held a technical conference for stakeholder feedback. The Departments of Energy and Environment suggested that biomass for electricity generation must be tested and verified with government approval. They also asked whether a 300 MW PPA would be from large hydro, nuclear, or tidal sources and noted the long lead times for such projects. NSPI agreed to the suggestions and confirmed that the PPA could be from any non-emitting resource.
Final Report. 1 Request IR-27: 2 3 Low-cost Programs: Program costs will be minimized, where doing so does not hinder meeting 4 overall IRP targets in both the short and long term. 5 6 Long-term success: In planning DSM initiatives, it is...
AI summary The document contains responses to requests regarding Energy Nova Scotia's (ENSC) 2012 DSM Plan, renewable heating strategy, and biomass sustainability benchmarks. ENSC emphasizes alignment with Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) targets, plans to develop a renewable heating strategy, and intends to use certified wood pellets for biomass projects with sustainability considerations.
E-7ENSC (Multeese) IR-1 to IR-31 3/29/2011
7 passages
► Sustainable Procurement Taking a holistic approach to obtain best value. This will be done by integrating the following criteria in the procurement process where appropriate: - Environmental criteria: e.g. Green House Gas Reduction, Wast...
AI summary The document outlines a holistic approach to sustainable procurement, incorporating environmental, economic, and social criteria to achieve best value. Key criteria include greenhouse gas reduction, life cycle cost, employee health and safety, and support for the local economy.
Appendix 1: Qualifications of Mr. Tom Ryan Mr. Tom Ryan is a mechanical engineer with over 22 years experience in industrial energy efficiency, the design of pulp & paper mill facilities and the commercialization of renewable energy techno...
AI summary Mr. Tom Ryan is a mechanical engineer with extensive experience in industrial energy efficiency, pulp & paper mill design, and renewable energy technologies. He has held leadership roles in various engineering and project management positions and is a co-founder of SyENERGY, which specializes in energy efficiency and solar thermal technologies. He has also contributed to environmental and economic performance initiatives.
Market Function The concept of market function captures the elements of the marketplace in which energy consumption decisions are made. In a perfect market, a number of elements would be in place to support energy efficient choices because...
AI summary The text discusses the concept of market function in energy consumption, emphasizing the importance of true energy cost and the role of externalized greenhouse gas emissions. It highlights the need for a perfect market where energy efficiency and renewable energy sources are economically viable and accessible. Government intervention is noted as necessary for capturing external costs, with examples from the northeastern United States.
ns et al , "Renewable Energy Alternatives for Developed Countries" (2000) 15 IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion 4 at 481, online: . Toronto Environmental Alliance, A Low-income Energy Efficiency Program: Mapping the Sector and Program...
AI summary The text references several academic and policy documents discussing renewable energy alternatives, low-income energy efficiency programs, and financing mechanisms for energy refurbishment in housing. These sources include research from IEEE, the Toronto Environmental Alliance, and the UK Green Building Council.
Inconsistency in Treatment of Demand and Supply Options As noted above, supply investments are not subjected to TRC or Societal costeffectiveness screening. For example, when a regulator approves a utility purchased power contract from a c...
AI summary The text discusses the inconsistency in how demand and supply options are treated in regulatory decisions. Supply investments are not subjected to TRC or societal cost-effectiveness screening, unlike energy efficiency programs. This creates an uneven regulatory standard where only the cost to the utility system is considered, not the broader societal or investment costs.
Quantifying All Non-Energy Benefits The second option for fixing the TRC is to tackle the benefits side of the equation. Specifically, regulators could theoretically require that all non-energy benefits are estimated and factored into TRC...
AI summary This text discusses the theoretical ideal of including all non-energy benefits in the Total Resource Cost (TRC) screening process, arguing that while it would provide a more balanced assessment of costs and benefits, it is likely too complex, controversial, and expensive to implement in practice. Examples include health and safety benefits from energy efficiency programs, which may be underestimated if not properly quantified.
1 Request IR-28: 2 3 With respect to Figure 3 on page 21 of Appendix C, 4 5 a) Please confirm that the data for this graph is calculated on the basis of energy 6 (Gwh) rather than demand (MW). 7 8 b) Please provide any available data on ea...
AI summary Request IR-28 asks for confirmation on the basis of data in Figure 3 and comparative data on renewable energy standards, carbon dioxide emissions caps, and mercury emissions caps in various states compared to Nova Scotia. The response confirms the data is based on energy (GWh) and provides information on renewable energy standards.
E-10Evidence of George Foote on behalf of CA 4/8/2011
4 passages
Q. What about spending on development and research, fuel substitution, and renewable - heating? - In response to IR-6 from the Consumer Advocate, ENSC indicated that opportunities exist in - both the residential and non-residential sectors...
AI summary ENSC acknowledges opportunities for development and research in residential and non-residential sectors regarding fuel substitution and renewable heating. However, no quantification of potential savings or expenditure allocation by rate class was provided, raising concerns about transparency and cost-effectiveness.
January 2007 - March 2008 Director, Energy Markets and Climate Change, Nova Scotia Department of Energy, Halifax, NS - Leads the province's policy development and response to climate change. This\nissue has been steadily rising in importan...
AI summary The Director of Energy Markets and Climate Change oversees Nova Scotia's energy policy, climate change initiatives, and renewable energy development. They manage emission reductions, climate adaptation, and deliver programs within a $1.6 million annual budget for climate and energy projects, while regulating electricity and natural gas policies.
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.
Energy Management, Markets and Climate Change Division - Leads the province's policy development and response to climate change. This\nissue has been steadily rising in importance and has become the leading\nenvironmental issue facing Nova...
AI summary The Energy Management, Markets and Climate Change Division leads Nova Scotia's climate policy, develops the provincial Climate Change Plan, participates in federal/provincial committees, and manages a $2.3 million annual budget for climate initiatives, energy efficiency, and renewable energy projects.
E-13Evidence of Tim Woolf, Synapse Energy Economics Inc., Board Consultant 4/8/2011
4 passages
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.
TESTIMONY Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (Docket No. 3790). Direct testimony regarding National Grid's Gas Energy Efficiency Programs. On behalf of the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers. April 2, 2007. Rhode Island Public...
AI summary The text lists various testimonies provided by regulatory bodies and advocacy groups in different states regarding energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. These testimonies relate to proceedings concerning gas energy efficiency, renewable energy procurement, and demand-side management.
REPORTS Cape Light Compact Energy Efficiency Plan 2007-2012: Providing Comprehensive Energy Efficiency Services to Communities on Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard , prepared for the Cape Light Compact, February 2007. Comments on the Potentia...
AI summary The text lists various energy efficiency and electricity resource planning reports prepared for different jurisdictions and organizations, including Cape Light Compact, North Carolina Utilities Commission, and others. These reports cover topics such as energy efficiency programs, integrated resource planning, and the impacts of renewable energy policies.
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.
E-21CV Philippe Dunsky 4/18/2011
8 passages
PHILIPPE U. DUNSKY (514) 504-9030, x22 [email protected] hilippe Dunsky has twenty years of experience advising clients in the fields of energy efficiency, renewable energy and climate change tools and opportunities. He has extensive expe...
AI summary Philippe U. Dunsky has 20 years of experience in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and climate change, advising clients including utilities, governments, and NGOs. He specializes in designing plans, policies, and programs that balance economic growth and environmental sustainability, with a background in economics from the University of London.
2004 Dunsky Energy Consulting Founder/President of leading energy efficiency and renewable energy consulting firm. Research, analysis and strategic counsel for a broad clientele comprised of utilities, government agencies, private firms an...
AI summary Dunsky Energy Consulting, founded in 2004, provides research, analysis, and strategic counsel on energy efficiency and renewable energy to utilities, government agencies, private firms, and non-profits. The firm's work focuses on consulting services for a diverse clientele.
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.
Pre-2004 Prior to founding Dunsky Energy Consulting, Philippe Dunsky led consulting projects in a variety of capacities in the fields of energy efficiency, renewables and climate change. Below are select examples of work. - 1997-2003: Expe...
AI summary Philippe Dunsky's pre-2004 work includes expert testimony on utility energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies, policy analysis for Kyoto Protocol commitments, and methodology development for renewable energy projects. He also contributed to fiscal policy and industrial energy efficiency linkages and supervised UN Clean Development Mechanism projects.
- 2006 "Québec's Economic Energy Efficiency Potential: Results of a Utility-Stakeholders Working Group Process", ACEEE 2006 Summer Study – Proceedings, August 2006. With B. Gobeil and M. Parent. - 2004 "The Electricity Revolution Underway:...
AI summary A list of publications by an individual on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and policy topics, including analyses of Quebec's energy potential, California's energy crisis, and the Kyoto Protocol. Works are published in academic and industry journals, with collaborations from various organizations.
Public Speaking 2011 Americana – 9th Biennial International Environmental Technology Trade Show & Conference: "An Energy Rating for Every Building – Mandatory Labelling for Commercial Buildings". - 2010 Fourth National Geoexchange Technica...
AI summary The text discusses public speaking engagements related to energy efficiency and environmental technology, including a presentation on mandatory building energy ratings and a talk on innovative financing strategies for geoexchange technology.
- 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.
CGA) : "Convergence of Technology, Market and Societal Forces: Implications for the Gas Industry" - 2000 Canadian Institute of Energy : " Distributed Generation: Needs and Opportunities, Promise and Concern" - 1999 Canadian Electricity Ass...
AI summary The text lists various publications and reports from energy-related organizations and associations, focusing on topics such as distributed generation, renewable energy, market restructuring, and energy efficiency. These documents explore the implications of technological and market changes on the energy sector.