Topic:"Residential Programs" in M12249

22 Table 3: Program Modifications and Retirements in the 2026 DSM Extension Program Program Component Changes and Enhancements in the 2026 DSM Extension as compared to the 2023-2025 Plan Continued/Modified/ Retired Instant Savings • In 202...

AI summary The 2026 DSM Extension introduces modifications to several programs, including changes to the Instant Savings program to focus on year-round rebates and the retirement of certain components in the Affordable Single-Family Homes program. These changes align with the Appliance Retirement program and the adoption of a new LED baseline.

8 Table 4: Program Component Comparison of 2025 Forecast and 2026 DSM Extension Year Program Component Comparison of 2025 Forecast and 2026 DSM Extension Year Home Energy Assessment • Further reduction in energy savings and increase in uni...

AI summary The document compares energy savings forecasts for various programs in 2025 and 2026. It notes a reduction in savings and increased costs for home energy assessments due to the closure of Canada Greener Homes, while residential behavior and business energy rebates are expected to see slight increases in savings.

1 Table 5: 2026 Program Savings and Investment First Voor Lifetime Dool: FF Total Program a Lifetime First Year Energy Energy Peak EE Demand Available Resource Administrator 2026 Investment a ($ million) Benefits b Savings Savings Savings...

AI summary Table 5 provides a detailed breakdown of 2026 program savings and investment for residential and business energy efficiency programs, demand response initiatives, and enabling strategies in Nova Scotia. It outlines investments, benefits, and cost tests for various energy efficiency and demand response programs.

E1's overachievement of its energy and peak demand savings targets for its energy efficiency programs was driven by both the Residential and the Business, Non-Profit and Institutional (BNI) sectors. In 2024, the Residential sector'stwo pro...

AI summary E1's energy efficiency programs, particularly the Residential and BNI sectors, significantly overachieved their 2024 savings targets due to increased rebate uptake and collaboration on the Greener Homes Grant. This success is not expected to continue in 2025 or 2026.

1 Table 5: Program Savings & Investment 2026 DSM Extension 2026 Investment a ($ million) Lifetime Benefits b ($ million) First Year Energy Savings (GWh) Lifetime Energy Savings c (GWh) Peak EE Demand Savings (MW) Available Capacity (MW) To...

AI summary Table 5 outlines the 2026 DSM Extension program savings and investment, including residential and business energy efficiency programs, enabling strategies, and demand response initiatives. It details investment amounts, lifetime benefits, energy savings, and other metrics for various programs.

5 Table 6: Program Changes and Enhancements in the 2026 DSM Extension Program Program Component Changes and Enhancements in the 2026 DSM Extension as compared to the 2023-2025 Plan Residential Energy Efficiency Appliance Retirement • E1 en...

AI summary The 2026 DSM Extension introduces changes to residential energy efficiency programs, including the discontinuation of the Appliance Retirement program, a shift to year-round rebates for efficient products, and the alignment of affordable housing programs with new appliance retirement policies.

4.1 2026 MARKETING - Marketing plans and strategies are essential to DSM Plan implementation. Marketing efforts drive - customer participation in programs and support the communication and implementation aspects of DSM - Plan delivery. 202...

AI summary E1's 2026 DSM marketing strategy emphasizes omnichannel, data-driven approaches to boost customer participation. Tactics include personalized messaging, geo-targeting, and A/B testing, leveraging AMI and segmentation data. Strategies aim to enhance engagement through consistent branding and tailored campaigns for residential and BNI sectors.

10 Table 9: 2026 Summary of the Instant Savings Program Component Extension Investment ($M) Energy Savings (GWh) Demand Savings (MW) Participation (products) 2026 Total 2.5 4.8 0.5 33,682 Program Component Changes • an LED baseline in 2025...

AI summary The 2026 Instant Savings Program Component under the DSM Extension offers year-round rebates on qualifying energy-efficient products, including ENERGY STAR® certified appliances and smart thermostats. The program transitioned from seasonal campaigns in 2025, with changes in eligible products such as the removal of certain LED bulbs and the inclusion of motion sensor fixtures.

4 5.2.4 HOM E ENERGY ASSESSM EN T Home Energy Assessment helps homeowners make informed choices about energy efficient and deep savings upgrades to their homes. Home energy assessments performed by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) register...

AI summary The Home Energy Assessment program assists homeowners in identifying energy-efficient upgrades through assessments conducted by registered Energy Advisors. The program includes rebates to help overcome financial barriers to implementing retrofits, as outlined in Table 13 for the 2026 DSM Extension.

16 Table 13: 2026 Summary of Home Energy Assessment Program Component Extension Investment ($M) Energy Savings (GWh) Demand Savings (MW) Participation (homes) 2026 Total 5.0 3.8 1.7 1,900 Program Component Changes • • upgrade recommendatio...

AI summary The 2026 Home Energy Assessment Program Component includes a total investment of $5M, aiming for 3.8 GWh of energy savings and 1.7 MW of demand savings across 1,900 homes. The program will streamline its approach, end the Green Heat component, and include remote assessments and omnichannel marketing.

1 5.2.5 M I'KM AW HOME ENERGY EFFICIEN CY PROJECT Mi'kmaw Home Energy Efficiency Project is a whole-home retrofit service offered to customers at no-cost, available to band-owned homes and privately-owned homes in Mi'kmaw communities. It p...

AI summary The Mi'kmaw Home Energy Efficiency Project offers no-cost whole-home retrofits to Mi'kmaw communities, including energy assessments and improvements to building envelopes and heating systems. The program aims to improve energy efficiency and comfort while prioritizing local employment.

5 Table 15: 2026 Summary of Residential Behaviour Program Component Extension Investment ($M) Energy Savings (GWh) Demand Savings (MW) Participation (homes) 2026 Total 2.1 17.0 0 205,000 Program Component Changes • • o • outlined in the ap...

AI summary Table 15 outlines the 2026 summary of the Residential Behaviour Program Component, showing total investment of $2.1M, energy savings of 17.0 GWh, and 205,000 participating homes. The program includes enhancements to the 2026 DSM Extension, such as personalization of Home Energy Reports and development of a content library for marketing.

6 5.5 DIRECT INSTALLATION - 7 Direct Installation provides small businesses with access to financial incentives and technical assistance - 8 for the installation of energy efficient equipment upgrades in their facilities. The program consi...

AI summary The Direct Installation program offers small businesses financial incentives and technical assistance for energy-efficient equipment upgrades through the Small Business Energy Solutions component, aiming to promote energy efficiency in Nova Scotia.

4 Table 20: 2026 Summary of the Residential Demand Response Program Component Extension Investment ($M) New Capacity (MW)a Available Capacity (MW) Participation (participants) 2026 Total 4.0 3.7 4.7 10,303

AI summary Table 20 outlines the 2026 summary of the Residential Demand Response Program Component, including total investment, new and available capacity, and the number of participants involved in the program.

3.3.1 RESID EN TIAL - As modelled, the Residential class includes Rate Codes 2, 3, 6, 9 and 16 (Domestic), as well as 4 - and 5 (Charitable). - The average rate impact over the study period is an increase of 0.3 - percent, or 0.05 cents/kW...

AI summary The Residential class in Nova Scotia's regulatory proceeding includes specific rate codes (2, 3, 6, 9, 16 for Domestic and 4, 5 for Charitable). The average rate impact is a 0.3% increase (0.05 cents/kWh), but participants see a 1.2% bill decrease, while non-participants face a 0.2% increase. Overall, the class experiences a 0.1% bill decrease.

Small General Residential ↑ 0.4% Rates ↑ 0.3% Rates ↓ 1.2% Participant Bills ↑ 0.2% Non-Participant Bills ↓ 0.1% Total Customer Bills - ↓ 8.8% Participant Bills - ↑ 0.4% Non-Participant Bills - ↓ 0.9% Total Customer Bills - Participants in...

AI summary The Small General class in Nova Scotia sees a 0.4% rate increase, with participants experiencing an 8.8% average bill decrease, non-participants facing a 0.4% increase, and overall customer bills decreasing by 0.9% over the study period.

7.3 UNTRACKED (POINT-OF-SALE PROGRAM) PARTICIPATION - E1 operates two program components that offer rebates at the point-of-sale: residential Instant - Savings and the Instant Rebates portion of Business Energy Rebates (BER-IR). These prog...

AI summary E1's Untracked Point-of-Sale Program includes residential and business rebate components (BER-IR) with participation estimated via transaction records and assumptions about rate class participation. For 2026, annual and active participants are estimated using forward-looking RBIA methods, with assumptions about flat participation until energy savings expire. Residential Behaviour and Demand Response participation methods are also detailed, including cross-participation rates and DRSim™ model inputs.

1. Evaluated Net Demand Reduction at the Generator In 2024, Efficiency Nova Scotia operated two residential programs (Residential Efficient Product Rebates and Existing Residential) with nine components; three BNI (business, non-profit and...

AI summary In 2024, Efficiency Nova Scotia operated multiple residential and business energy efficiency programs with various components, including residential rebates, business incentives, and demand response initiatives.

Table 1: Net Demand Reduction at the Generator. Residential Demand Reduction (MW) Appliance Retirement 0.337 Rebate Programs Instant Savings 2.428 2.765 Affordable Multifamily Housing 0.570 Affordable Single-Family Housing 2.089 Existing R...

AI summary This table presents net demand reduction at the generator for various residential and business programs in Nova Scotia. It includes contributions from rebate programs, appliance retirement, and energy efficiency initiatives, with a total demand reduction of 30.689 MW.

Table 2: First Year and Lifetime Net Energy Savings at the Generator. 2024 Net Evaluated Energy Savings (at Generator) Program Residential Annual Evaluated Net Savings (GWh) Lifetime E ifetime Evaluated Net Savings (GWh) Residential Effici...

AI summary Table 2 presents the first-year and lifetime net energy savings at the generator for various residential and business programs, including the Appliance Retirement Program, Instant Savings, and Strategic Energy Management. The data highlights the contributions of different initiatives to overall energy efficiency and savings.

3. Sector Contributions In Figure 4, BNI contributes net peak demand savings at the generator of about 45%; about 55% is contributed from the Residential sector. 19 The whole numbers shown on the bars in [Figure 3](#page-17-1) can be consi...

AI summary The text discusses sector contributions to net demand reduction and energy savings. BNI contributes approximately 45-55% of peak demand savings, first-year, and lifetime net energy savings, with the residential sector contributing the remaining percentage.

Table 3: Planned Evaluations for 2024 Programs. 2024 Portfolio Evaluation Plan D Impact Ev Impact Evaluation Market Program Component Comprehensive Condensed Evaluation Evaluation Residential Appliance Retirement Х Instant Savings Х Afford...

AI summary Table 3 outlines the planned evaluations for 2024 programs, including various residential and business energy efficiency initiatives. It includes evaluations such as the Appliance Retirement Program, Instant Savings, and Strategic Energy Management. The table also references supporting reports from Econoler and Efficiency One.

X. Individual Program Component Review There are nine residential programs, four Business, Non-Profit, Institutional programs and two Demand Response programs.

AI summary The document outlines the review of energy programs in Nova Scotia, including nine residential, four business/non-profit/institutional, and two demand response programs, under the ARet, IS, SEM, SBES, DR, and DSM initiatives.

I. Residential Behavioral Program (Efficiency Insights) The Residential Behaviour program, "Efficiency Insights", is new for Program Year 2024, and follows a similar previous residential behaviour program, administered by Efficiency Nova S...

AI summary Efficiency Insights, a new 2024 residential behavioral program, provides bi-monthly Home Energy Reports to participants, comparing their energy use with similar homes and promoting energy-saving behaviors. It differs from other DSM programs by focusing solely on behavioral change without physical measures, aiming to drive participation in measure-based efficiency initiatives.

The reduction of group sizes over time occurs due to several factors. First, there are account closures, for example, due to death of the last person in an elderly household. Second there are ordinary move-outs. According to the evaluator,...

AI summary The text discusses the reduction of group sizes in a program due to account closures, move-outs, and the discontinuation of Efficiency Insights reports for inactive accounts. It also mentions the exclusion of households with solar DSM resources from the program to avoid double counting of energy savings, while other DSM technology options are still supported. The text notes that attrition is normal and that equivalence between treatment and control groups is demonstrated in the 2024 Evaluation report.

the others. 52 Table 86, Evaluated 2024 Residential Behavior Net Electrical Energy Savings, Econoler Residential Behavior Evaluation, Existing Programs, P. 195. program, since there are no physical measures installed, we have only the mete...

AI summary The evaluation of residential behavior programs' energy savings highlights concerns about the validity of aggregated GWh results. With large sample sizes, statistical significance is less meaningful, and effect size is emphasized. The 6.27 GWh annual savings are questioned for practical impact on power plant decisions due to their distribution across 80% of residential customers without physical measures.

ova Scotia reports 22 new participants in 2024 for the Pay-for-Performance program but, due to multi-year savings progression, no savings for these participants are expected to be reported until 2025. Custom/New Construction . The New Cons...

AI summary Nova Scotia reports 22 new Pay-for-Performance program participants in 2024, with savings delayed until 2025. The Custom program's New Construction component saw 27 projects (mostly multi-unit residential buildings) despite labor and cost challenges. Building Optimization completed 4 projects, including HVAC reprogramming in schools. Evaluated free ridership for New Construction dropped to 28% in 2024, with enhanced engineering reviews linked to improved outcomes and participant satisfaction.

1. Residential Demand Response (Eco Shift Pilot Pathway) For Residential Demand Response (DR), Efficiency Nova Scotia created a tracking sheet. The Residential DR tracking sheet is limited to a spreadsheet with participant raw thermostat a...

AI summary Efficiency Nova Scotia's Residential Demand Response (DR) evaluation focused on Mysa thermostats due to data limitations. A regression model predicted hourly energy use, comparing it to actual data to quantify DR capacity. Analysis included 199 participants, with recommendations to repeat the 2025 evaluation for accuracy. Other devices like EV chargers were excluded due to data issues.

1. Residential Behaviour Program SVR2024-Behaviour-5. Overall, we recommend that the program be continued, but not as a direct energy savings program. Rather, it should be redesigned and evaluated as a marketing and promotional program des...

AI summary The Residential Behaviour Program should be restructured as a marketing tool rather than a direct energy savings program. Current evaluations show minimal household-level energy savings, necessitating better measurement of behavioral impacts and analysis of high-saving households to identify effective practices.

4. BNI Demand Reduction Programs SVR2024-Demand Response – 13 . In the next evaluation, include an analysis of the relative importance or lack of importance to the possible capacity shortfall problem to Nova Scotia Power, the roles of the...

AI summary The text requests an evaluation of BNI Demand Response programs, emphasizing the need to analyze their impact on Nova Scotia Power's capacity shortfall, clarify their practical benefits, and justify their business case. It criticizes the programs' weak demand reduction effects and calls for a comparison of whole-home vs. device-level approaches in residential analysis.

Practice Manual, For Benefit-Cost Analysis of Distributed Energy Resources, 2020. Uniform Methods Project Uniform Methods Project Refrigerator Recycling Evaluation Protocol. See: [http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy17osti/68563.pdf.](http://www.nr...

AI summary The document references Uniform Methods Project (UMP) protocols for evaluating distributed energy resources, including refrigerator recycling, residential lighting, and behavior. Protocols were prepared by organizations like The Cadmus Group and Apex Analytics, with contributions from individuals such as Doug Bruchs and Scott Dimetrosky. These resources support benefit-cost analysis in energy efficiency initiatives.

Request IR-07: Reference: Appendix A to EfficiencyOne's Evidence, p. 29-37 Please highlight any significant changes in residential programs' delivery or program design from 2025 to 2026. (a) Where significant changes are proposed, please p...

AI summary EfficiencyOne (E1) outlines changes to its residential programs from 2025 to 2026, including the discontinuation of the Appliance Retirement and Green Heat programs. The Efficient Product Installation program will shift focus to electrician-installed measures. These changes will carry forward into 2026, with no significant new changes proposed for 2026.

9 Table 1: E1 Residential Demand Response offerings as compared to NS Power Smart Grid E1 Res DR (Eco Shift) NS Power's Smart Grid NS Pilot 9 (b) Who provides notice and how it is provided to customers. 10 11 (c) Who is eligible to enroll?...

AI summary The document discusses the E1 Residential Demand Response (Eco Shift) program and NS Power's Smart Grid NS Pilot, focusing on customer notification procedures, eligibility, payment rates for curtailment, penalties for non-compliance, and definitions of 'high potential customers'. EfficiencyOne's response outlines communication protocols and references prior submissions.

16 Table 1: Industrial Rate Class Unique Customers Participating in Energy Efficiency in 2023-2025 by Rate Class and 17 Program Component Rate Class 2023 2024 2025 Program Component Participating Customers % of Total Rate Class Customers P...

AI summary The table presents data on the participation of unique customers in energy efficiency programs across different industrial rate classes from 2023 to 2025. It shows the number of participating customers and their percentage of the total rate class customers for each program component.

Program costs by participating rate classes Program Efficient Product Rebates RES Energy Savings (GWh) Demand Savings (MW) Existing Residential Energy Savings (GWh) Demand Savings (MW) New Residential Energy Savings (GWh) Demand Savings (M...

AI summary The document presents a table detailing program costs and energy and demand savings by rate class for various energy efficiency programs in Nova Scotia. It includes data for different programs such as Efficient Product Rebates, Custom Incentives, and Direct Installation, along with their respective savings and costs.

Date Filed: June 25, 2025 REDACTED Synapse IR-04, Attachment 1, Page 6 of 19 2026 Investmenta ($ million) Lifetime Benefitsb ($ million) First Year Energy Savings (GWh) Lifetime Energy Savings (GWh) Peak EE Demand Savings (MW) Available DR...

AI summary The document provides a detailed breakdown of investment and benefits for various energy efficiency (EE) and demand response (DR) programs in Nova Scotia for 2026. It outlines program-specific investments, lifetime benefits, energy savings, and associated costs, with a focus on residential, business, non-profit, and institutional programs.

Support for Residential Customers – Existing Residential

AI summary The document heading indicates a section focused on support for existing residential customers in Nova Scotia. No substantive content is visible beyond the heading and an image reference, limiting detailed analysis.

Support for Residential Customers – Existing Residential (con't)

AI summary The document section continues discussing support for existing residential customers, involving EfficiencyOne, Nova Scotia Power, and the Demand Side Management Advisory Group. Key considerations include the Total Resource Cost Test and Program Administrator Cost Test.

Support for Residential Customers– Demand Response - Residential Demand Response will follow the same approach for the 2026 DSM Extension as outlined in the approved 2023-2025 Plan with an expansion from the number of customers from 2025....

AI summary Residential Demand Response for 2026 will follow the 2023-2025 Plan's approach with an expansion in customer participation. E1 will implement Eco Shift DR pathways, including smart thermostats and electric water heater controllers, with annual payments to participants and a program investment of $4.0 million to support over 10,000 customers.

Table 1: Breakout of 2026 Residential Low-income and Equity Subtotal - 40010 21 21 24 04 10 41 0 0 20 20 11001 G = 9 G. 1 C / C 2026 Investment ($ million) Lifetime Benefits ($ million) First Year Energy Savings (GWh) Lifetime Energy Savin...

AI summary The table provides a detailed breakdown of the 2026 residential low-income and equity programs, including investments, lifetime benefits, energy savings, and cost tests. The data highlights the financial and energy efficiency impacts of various initiatives aimed at supporting low-income households and promoting equity.

E1 Responses to Synapse Energy Economics (Synapse) Information Requests NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 Request IR-14: Page 7 of Appendix A states, "There will be minimal savings from Green Heat in 2025. E1 will close Green Heat in 2025 due to the cont...

AI summary E1 explains that the Green Heat program will close in 2025 due to declining participation and savings over the past three years. Participants are opting for the Home Energy Assessment program instead, which offers higher incentives for heat pump measures. A billing analysis also showed significantly lower unitary savings for heat pumps and wood/pellet burning equipment in Green Heat.

E1 Responses to Synapse Energy Economics (Synapse) Information Requests NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 E1's Residential Behaviour program component service provider, E1 is able to identify 2 trends based on time-of-day usage. An example would be ident...

AI summary E1's Residential Behaviour program uses time-of-day usage data and segmented marketing strategies to engage customers, including personalized messaging and targeted recommendations for energy efficiency. The program leverages Customer Relationship Management systems and Demand Response Management Systems to increase participation and retention.

6 Table 2: Low-income and Equity Incidental 2023 and 2024 Demand Savings by Program Component Program Component 2023 Low income & Equity Demand Savings (MW) 2023 Total Program Demand Savings 2023 (MW) 2023 Proportion of Low income & Equity...

AI summary Table 2 provides data on low-income and equity incidental demand savings by program component for 2023 and 2024. It highlights the contribution of various programs such as Efficient Product Installation and Business Energy Rebates to overall demand savings, with varying proportions of low-income and equity savings.

Response 1-c: - The programs that Peach concluded should have been flagged by the Evaluator for low practical - value are the residential behavior program, and the two demand reduction programs(the residential - and BNR demand response pro...

AI summary Peach identified residential behavior and demand reduction programs (including BNR demand response) as having low practical value. Savings (e.g., 4 kWh/month for residential customers) are deemed insignificant for customers due to high bill variability and unlikely to impact utility planning. The evaluation distinguishes customer-level and system-level value assessments.

12 Table 3. Cost-Effectiveness by Energy Efficiency Program Component for 2026 DSM 13 Extension Sector Program Component PAC TRC Residential Energy Efficiency Instant Savings 2.0 1.0 Affordable Multi-Family Housing 1.1 0.6 Affordable Singl...

AI summary Table 3 provides a breakdown of the cost-effectiveness of various energy efficiency program components under the 2026 DSM Extension, including metrics such as Program Administrator Cost (PAC) and Total Resource Cost (TRC) across residential, business, and institutional sectors.

Q. ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT THIS SHARP INCREASE IN RESIDENTIAL SAVINGS ACQUISTION COSTS? Yes. The primary goal of the portfolio is to acquire energy savings, with the main constraint coming from the budget available to do so. As costs to ac...

AI summary The respondent confirms concern over rising residential savings acquisition costs, which reduce savings and net benefits under the current Total Resource Cost (TRC) test, yielding a 0.9 benefit-cost ratio (BCR). This indicates negative net benefits, though an ongoing proceeding (Matter No. 12282) may revise the benefit-cost test.

2 Q. HOW DOES THE RESIDENTIAL SECTOR 2026 PROPOSED KWH SAVINGS 3 COMPARE TO THE 2025 APPROVED PLAN GWH SAVINGS? 4 A. Residential savings went down significantly as a portion of portfolio savings. Total 5 residential GWh savings went from 4...

AI summary The 2026 proposed plan shows a significant drop in residential sector savings from 48% to 25% of portfolio savings compared to the 2025 approved plan. EfficiencyOne attributes this to LEDs becoming baseline but emphasizes the need for further analysis of actual savings potential versus continued programs without LEDs.

4 Table 4. Relative Effect of Influence on Other Programs Program Cohort Control Treatment % Difference Green Heat High Energy User 0.3% 0.4% 33% Green Heat Medium Energy Use 0.1% 0.2% 100% EPI High Energy Use 1.6% 2.0% 25% 6 When asked ab...

AI summary The text discusses the relative effect of influence on energy efficiency programs, referencing a table that shows differences in participation rates between control and treatment groups. It also includes a discussion between Mr. Peach and another party regarding the practical impact of a 0.1% difference in participation, with the latter arguing that it could be significant given the scale of the Residential Behavioral Program.

16 Table 5. Potential Impact of Residential Behavior Program on Green Heat Progra[m](#page-12-2) 9 2024 Results Residential Behavior Participants 239,309 0.1% of Behavior Participants 239 Homes in Green Heat 1,408 % Represented by 0.1% Inc...

AI summary The text discusses the impact of the Residential Behavior Program on the Green Heat program, noting that only 1,408 homes participated in Green Heat in 2024, far below the projected 3,408. It also highlights concerns about the effectiveness of the Efficiency Insights program, with savings per household deemed too small to be meaningful.

- 24 A. Yes. Average savings are below the projected values assumed by EfficiencyOne, and 25 there should be effort put into improving average savings value and increasing 1 conversion rates to other programs. Mr. Peach's recommendation fo...

AI summary The testimony highlights that average energy savings are below projected values by EfficiencyOne, recommending efforts to improve savings and increase conversion rates. The witness suggests reallocation of funds, adjustments to low-income allocations, and continuation of savings from the Efficiency Insights program.

Energy Efficiency Potential in Oklahoma Sierra Club, Oklahoma (April 2011 – November 2011, December 2013 – January 2014) - Provided updated report for energy efficiency in Oklahoma and additional comments on PUC rulemaking for electric and...

AI summary Sierra Club provided an updated energy efficiency report for Oklahoma, assisted with PUC rulemaking comments, worked on the US regional haze plan, and gave expert testimony for Oklahoma Gas & Electric's rate case before the Corporation Commission of Oklahoma.

3.4 RISING COSTS OF RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS

AI summary This section addresses the increasing costs of residential energy programs in Nova Scotia. Key entities include Nova Scotia Power Inc., the Nova Scotia Energy Board, and programs like Demand Side Management. The discussion likely involves analyses such as Benefit Cost Analysis and Total Resource Cost.

Green Energy states: Over three years, the residential sector will see unit costs for first year savings go up nearly three times higher, and lifetime savings unit costs rise over five times higher. In that same time span, low-income savin...

AI summary Over three years, residential energy costs for first-year and lifetime savings are projected to increase significantly, with low-income savings rising over four times. Green Energy highlights these rapid increases as concerning.

Q. Are you concerned about this sharp increase in residential savings acquisition costs? A. Yes. The primary goal of the portfolio is to acquire energy savings, with the main constraint coming from the budget available to do so. As costs t...

AI summary The respondent is concerned about the sharp increase in residential savings acquisition costs, which has led to a decline in acquired savings despite stable or slightly increased budgets. They emphasize the need for a thorough review of residential energy efficiency programs to ensure cost-effective savings for ratepayers.

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).

Introduction Econoler was commissioned by E1 to evaluate E1's 2024 DSM program portfolio, including the Residential Behaviour program component. E1's Residential Behaviour program component, publicly branded as Efficiency Insights, constit...

AI summary Econoler evaluated E1's 2024 Residential Behaviour program (Efficiency Insights), which uses NS Power data and Bidgely's algorithms to generate personalized energy reports for customers. The program aims to reduce electricity consumption through behavioral change, with Econoler conducting a randomized controlled trial to assess its impact.

1. 2024 Residential Behaviour Evaluation Approach and Results The Peach Report states as follows in relation to Econoler's 2024 Independent Evaluation of EfficiencyOne's DSM programs:[2](#page-21-0) This evaluation is well constructed at a...

AI summary The Peach Report evaluates Econoler's 2024 assessment of EfficiencyOne's DSM programs, noting technical adequacy but highlighting flaws in statistical significance and effect size interpretation. The 6.27 GWh first-year effect size is deemed trivial (0.06% of NSP's 2024 system requirement), with large samples undermining statistical validity. The report advocates shifting focus from statistical significance to practical business case assessments.

rica that were designed based on a RCT approach and include savings calculations performed with a regression analysis, following the evaluation protocols recommendations. 2 Ibid., pages 53-54. The Verifier asserts that neither the Uniform...

AI summary The Verifier argues that evaluation protocols like the Uniform Methods Project and SEE Action do not address large sample sizes and small effect sizes in residential behavior programs. However, the protocols emphasize that large samples are necessary to detect small savings, even though RCTs rely on random assignment, not sample size.

Econoler Response: Econoler respectfully disagrees with the assertion that the statistical tests employed in the evaluation, as well as those recommended in the evaluation protocols, lack reliability when applied to large sample sizes. - T...

AI summary Econoler disputes claims that statistical tests lack reliability with large samples, citing protocols, usage by other jurisdictions, and sample bias corrections. They emphasize statistical significance for validating savings and note that the Peach Report highlights that large samples may detect trivial differences.

Econoler Response: Econoler supports the recommendation that a process evaluation may be beneficial now that the program has been running for more than a year. A process evaluation is usually aimed at achieving the following objectives: -...

AI summary Econoler supports process evaluations for assessing program design and delivery but opposes using them to identify household-level behavior changes for energy savings. They argue energy savings should be measured via metered data, not surveys, and note statistical limitations in small-sample surveys. They suggest analyzing high-energy-saving households to identify effective actions.

ntrol\_Pilot\_Evaluation\_Report\_Final\_(003).pdf](https://www.calmac.org/publications/PY2022-2023_Smart_Thermostat_Control_Pilot_Evaluation_Report_Final_(003).pdf) (last accessed 04-10-2024). Navigant, prepared for Eversource MA, Eversou...

AI summary The text references multiple evaluation reports on residential demand response programs, including smart thermostat pilots by Navigant, EPRI, and CADMUS. These studies assess direct load control and demand response initiatives, emphasizing aggregated data over device-level metrics to account for heating system interactions in homes.

lt;sup>1 Reflects planned participation by low-income & equity customers. Numbers are a subset of Existing Residential, BNI Efficient Product Rebates, Custom Incentives, and Direct Installation. [13] E1 states that marketing for the 2026 D...

AI summary The text discusses the 2026 DSM Plan, highlighting alignment with the 2023-2025 DSM Plan and data-driven marketing strategies. It also outlines modifications, retirements, and the structure of residential and BNI energy efficiency programs. The focus is on low-income and equity customers and the continuation of existing initiatives.

y efficiency programs include: - Efficient Product Rebates - Business Energy Rebates - Custom Incentives - Custom - Strategic Energy Management - Direct Installation - Small Business Energy Solutions [16] The 2026 DSM Extension investment...

AI summary The 2026 DSM Extension investment in energy efficiency programs reflects a shift in focus from lighting to non-lighting measures in residential programs, with BNI sector programs expected to generate a larger share of savings. This change is attributed to the adoption of a residential LED lighting baseline and the closure of the Canada Greener Homes program.

ity control is. E1 has included both all option through the Eprogram component. Ce in DR events. ic Vehicle Managed Ch: V) either through EV suontrol (telematics). Cuspayment for participating V Control: utility control dispatching to the...

AI summary The text discusses various programs and strategies related to energy efficiency, demand response, and electric vehicle management. It mentions initiatives such as smart thermostats, heat pumps, and EV charging control, along with marketing tactics like social media campaigns and in-store promotions aimed at encouraging customer participation.

- Cost Test (TRC), and Program Administrator Cost Test (PAC) for lighting measures in the 1 Efficiency Product Installation program component over time. Please include 2023 25 In each of the five worksheets, please keep all the row heading...

AI summary The text outlines requests for detailed tables related to the Cost Test (TRC) and Program Administrator Cost Test (PAC) for lighting measures in the Efficiency Product Installation program, and also requests for breakdowns of low-income and equity customer participation in residential and BNI programs.

measure, by program component, and in total. - f. Please add to this table the breakout of the proposed participation in the 2026 Plan Extension for DR, by measure, by program component, and in total. Request IR-14: Page 7 of Appendix A st...

AI summary The text discusses the decline in participation in the Green Heat program, attributing it to higher incentives in the Greener Homes program for heat pump measures. A billing analysis conducted in 2024 found significantly lower unitary savings for heat pumps and wood/pellet burning equipment in both fully and mainly electrically heated participants.

a. Please provide a comparison of the Investment, Lifetime Benefits (TRC), Lifetime Benefits (PAC), TRC, and PAC for heat pump measures in the Green Heat program 1 component to the heat pump measures in the Home Energy Assessment program 2...

AI summary The text requests a comparison of investment and lifetime benefits (TRC and PAC) for heat pump measures in the Green Heat program, including data from 2023 Actuals, 2024 Actuals, 2025 Forecast, and 2026 Plan Extension. It also asks about the evaluation and billing analysis of the Green Heat program and whether similar evaluations have been conducted for the Home Energy Assessment program component.

Date Filed: June 4, 2025 CA (E1) Page 3 of 4 1 2 Request IR-7: 3 Reference: Appendix A to EfficiencyOne's Evidence, p. 29-37 4 5 6 7 Please highlight any significant changes in residential programs' delivery or program design from 2025 to...

AI summary The document includes a request to highlight significant changes in residential programs' delivery or design from 2025 to 2026, including the reasons for such changes. The request references Appendix A to EfficiencyOne's Evidence, pages 29-37.

23 in light of the evaluation. 1 Request IR-2: 2 Reference: E-2 Verification Report - Section E – Residential Efficient Production 3 Installation (EPI). 4 (a) How do E1 and its evaluator distinguish what is the electricity ratepayer 5 port...

AI summary The text contains regulatory requests related to the evaluation of energy efficiency programs, including questions about distinguishing electricity ratepayer portions, program continuation, and methodology issues in leak detection.

Request IR-10: - Reference: page 52 of the 2024 Verification Report: (Section I. Residential Behavioral Program - (Efficiency Insights): Because significance and confidence are driven by number of cases and the cases are joined physically...

AI summary The text questions the Verifier's methodology for concluding that system-level savings of 6.27 GWh are 'likely meaningless,' citing concerns about statistical significance testing with large samples and non-independent cases. It highlights that small household energy savings may not be meaningful individually, despite high statistical significance due to sample size.

- E1 declined to readjust its budget to maintain the 55% allocation of spending for the residential sector from the 2025 plan. [9](#page-2-6) - E1 agreed with GEEG's concerns regarding recommendation SVR2024-Behaviour-5 from the 2024 Savin...

AI summary E1 maintains the 55% residential sector budget allocation from the 2025 plan, agrees with GEEG on some recommendations (e.g., low-income program surveys) but disagrees on applying a 14.9% low-income prevalence to the EPI program. E1 plans a comprehensive review of residential energy efficiency programs and stakeholder engagement for the 2027-2031 DSM Plan.

- Request for surveys: As noted above, GEEG recommended that E1 should conduct surveys to assess participation of low-income customersin programs not dedicated to low-income customers. E1 agreed to do this in its Reply Evidence, but said t...

AI summary The document discusses recommendations from GEEG regarding surveys for low-income customers, allocation of savings, and low-income prevalence in E1's programs. E1 agrees with some recommendations but disputes others, while the Consumer Advocate acknowledges potential minor issues. Rising residential acquisition costs are also noted.

3. CONSUMER ADVOCATE - 11 The Submission filed by the Consumer Advocate acknowledges that it is satisfied with most of E1's - 12 responses to recommendations provided by Green Energy Economics Group ("Green Energy"), the - 13 Consumer Advo...

AI summary The Consumer Advocate is satisfied with most of E1's responses to Green Energy's recommendations, including commitments to evaluate low-income and equity customer participation and preserving residential savings. However, the Consumer Advocate disagrees with E1's decision not to increase residential program budgets as recommended.

Table 5: 2026 Program Savings and Investment 2026 Investment Lifetime Benefits b First Year Energy Savings Lifetime Energy Savings c Peak EE Demand Savings Available Capacity Total Resource Cost Test Program Administrator Cost Test ,,,,,,,...

AI summary Table 5 outlines the 2026 Program Savings and Investment for energy efficiency and demand response programs in Nova Scotia. It includes details on investment amounts, energy savings, and capacity benefits for residential, business, and institutional programs.

lt;sup>1 Reflects planned participation by low-income & equity customers. Numbers are a subset of Existing Residential, BNI Efficient Product Rebates, Custom Incentives, and Direct Installation. [13] E1 states that marketing for the 2026 D...

AI summary E1 outlines its marketing strategy for the 2026 DSM Plan, emphasizing data-driven approaches to optimize campaigns. The plan includes modifications to existing programs and retirements, but no new programs are introduced. Residential and BNI energy efficiency programs are detailed, covering rebates, assessments, and behavior initiatives.

r participe controllers for electric to r heaters. E1 may include gless (EV) either through ging control (telematics titive payment for partic sattery Control: utility this shifting and dispatchin, ittment incentive to insomance-based ince...

AI summary The text outlines various programs and initiatives related to energy efficiency and demand-side management, including incentives for electric vehicle charging, smart thermostat installation, and participation in demand response events. It also references components of the DSM Plan and EfficiencyOne (E1), along with customer engagement strategies such as education and case studies.

avings claims over time and that these would vary in size. [Exhibit E-17, Appendix A, p. 25] [55] Econoler did not agree that an adjustment was made to an older value and reported for 2024. It said: … For each project, a portion of overall...

AI summary Econoler defended its use of partial claims for multi-year projects and true-up adjustments, citing established protocols. Dr. Peach criticized the statistical significance of savings claims for the Residential Behavior and Demand Response programs, arguing large sample sizes require practical significance assessments instead.