E-10-(i)Book of Authorities
22 passages
IN THE MATTER OF THE EFFICIENCY NOVA SCOTIA CORPORATION ACT - and- IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION by EFFICIENCY NOVA SCOTIA CORPORATION for Approval of its Electricity Demand Side Management Plan for 2012 BEFORE: Peter W. Gurnham, a.c., C...
AI summary Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation sought approval for its 2012 Electricity Demand Side Management Plan. The NSUARB heard applications from multiple stakeholders, including Nova Scotia Power Inc., municipalities, and environmental groups. The board approved the application and directed future filings. Key participants included legal counsel, consultants, and regulatory bodies.
s - 7. Proposed integrated multi-fuel approach to program administration - 8. Proposed consideration of a multi-year performance-based model - 9. Future role of Program Development Working Group - [6] The following parties were Intervenors...
AI summary The document outlines proposed approaches for program administration, including a multi-fuel strategy and multi-year performance-based models, and highlights the involvement of various intervenors, their representatives, and witnesses in the proceeding. Key parties include the Consumer Advocate, Nova Scotia Power Inc., and Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation, among others.
[91 ] The SVS made the following recommendation: Recommendation 11: The DSM Administrator should consider whether or not it may be useful to revisit approaches to assessing free-ridership. Currently, NMR is using an improved variant of the...
AI summary The SVS recommends revisiting free-ridership assessment methods, noting NMR's current approach may overstate free-ridership. EAC suggests using netto-gross (NTG) ratios at the measure level, while ENSC agrees to refine evaluations through stakeholder consultation. The Province supports ongoing refinements, and ENSC commits to incorporating feedback on free-ridership and spillover assessments.
5.6 Multi Year Performance Based Model ("PBM") [127] ENSC seeks Board approval to engage stakeholders to assess the use of a Performance Based Model ("PBM") for future submissions to the Board. ENSC stated that: Under such a multi-year, pe...
AI summary ENSC requests approval to assess a Multi-Year Performance Based Model (PBM) for future submissions, shifting oversight from preapproving annual DSM plans to evaluating overall investments and savings targets. The current framework uses TRC tests for individual measures, whereas PBM emphasizes post-approval performance validation.
[128] The Dunsky report noted that: The move to a performance-based model would provide ENSC with increased flexibility to adjust and adapt its plans as needed, as situations arise and as feedback comes in. Furthermore, an oversight model...
AI summary The Dunsky report supports ENSC's shift to a performance-based model (PBM) for DSM programs, citing flexibility and reduced regulatory burden. The Province and EAC endorse PBM discussions, while Board Counsel questions the need for Board approval for stakeholder consultation. ENSC seeks Board approval to explore PBM implementation, emphasizing cost recovery and program flexibility.
5.6.1 Findings [134] ENSC suggests exploration of a PBM with stakeholders for future approval by the Board. The Board noted its concerns during the hearing and ENSC elaborated on the issue in its closing submission. [135] Based on this, th...
AI summary ENSC proposes exploring a PBM with stakeholders for future Board approval. The Board initially expressed concerns but, after ENSC's closing submission, has no objection to stakeholder discussions on PBM.
6.0 ROLE OF PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT WORKING GROUP [136] On March 5, 2008, NSPI and most of the Intervenors in the 2009 DSM proceeding signed a Settlement Agreement ("SA") and filed that agreement with the Board as part of an amended DSM Plan....
AI summary The Program Development Working Group (PDWG) was established under a 2008 Settlement Agreement to assist with program design and implementation, including performance measures for the new administrator, ENSC. The Board approved its continuation until ENSC became fully functional in late 2010, ensuring continuity during the transition. The PDWG included NSPI, Board staff, Conserve Nova Scotia, and stakeholders, with the goal of developing transparent processes and reporting to the UARB.
[138] In its Application, ENSC stated: The Program Development Working Group (PDWG), established during NSPl's tenure as interim DSM Administrator, has advised ENSC during the transition from NSPI to ENSC and during the preparation of the...
AI summary ENSC proposes continuing the Program Development Working Group (PDWG) in 2011, citing its value as a stakeholder forum. They committed to stakeholder consultation, with UARB's support. Intervenors did not oppose the proposal, and ENSC emphasized expert and stakeholder backing for the process.
6.1 Findings [140] The Board recognizes the valuable contributions made by the PDWG while NSPI served as the interim DSM Administrator and also during the transition process from NSPI to ENSC as the new DSM Administrator. The Board accepts...
AI summary The NSUARB acknowledges PDWG's contributions during NSPI's interim DSM administration and the transition to ENSC. The Board accepts ENSC's proposal to retain PDWG's role while engaging broader stakeholders for potential changes, requiring ENSC to file results in its 2013 DSM Plan.
9.0 SUMMARY OF BOARD FINDINGS [153] The Board accepts the 2010 DSM Plan evaluation and verification, with the qualification made in the SVS for a 10% reduction for the Efficient Products-Direct Install program. [154] The Board understands...
AI summary The Board accepts the 2010 DSM Plan evaluation, approves the 2012 DSM investment, and sets conditions for ENSC, including data system improvements, quarterly progress reviews, and policy development. It also approves changes to the TRC test and requires studies on free ridership and spillover effects.
- [22] The Consensus Agreement addressed a number of issues, which were identified in the Board's Final Issues List in this proceeding, and which the Board discusses below. - [23] In a number of previous decisions relating to electricity m...
AI summary The Consensus Agreement addresses issues from the Board's Final Issues List. The Board emphasizes settlement agreements' importance in electricity matters, supported by all customer classes, ensuring public interest. The process involves extensive pre-hearing evidence and stakeholder involvement.
3.5.8 Program Cost Allocation [106] In approving the Consensus Agreement the Board has approved Section 4 on the cost allocation.
AI summary The Nova Scotia Utility & Review Board (Board) approved Section 4 of the Consensus Agreement, which outlines the cost allocation methodology for the program. This approval is part of the regulatory proceeding related to program cost allocation.
3.7.1 Findings [114] The Board is satisfied that the provisions of the Consensus Agreement adequately address the ability of E1 to make mid-course adjustments and allow sufficient flexibility at the program level. Limiting the 25% adjustme...
AI summary The Board approves the Consensus Agreement's provisions allowing E1 to make 25% mid-course adjustments at the program level, not sectors, to minimize customer class impacts. The Industrial Group's signatory status is noted, and the Board deems sector-level adjustments unnecessary due to E1's approach.
4.0 LETTERS OF COMMENT AND PUBLIC SPEAKERS [129] The Board received 37 letters of comment from various persons, who wrote individually or on behalf of organizations. With only two exceptions, all were supportive of E1 and maintaining the a...
AI summary The Board received 37 letters, mostly supporting E1's DSM plan, citing environmental, economic, and low-income benefits. Public speakers emphasized maintaining DSM programs and energy efficiency culture. One letter critiqued Dr. Peach's evidence, while concerns about industry capacity if spending decreases were raised.
8) DSM Advisory Group Discussions a) If consensus is not achieved on any of the above items to be addressed within the DSM Advisory Group, such items will be presented to the UARB for determination.
AI summary If the DSM Advisory Group fails to reach consensus on specific items, those items will be forwarded to the UARB for final determination, highlighting the regulatory process for resolving disagreements within DSM initiatives.
Consensus Agreement Signed and dated this 16 th day of June 2015. Witness EfficiencyOne All Per: Witness Nova Scotia Power Incorporated Delle Per: Prin Canonium Witness Consumer Advocate Per: Witness Small Business Advocate Per: Witness In...
AI summary The document outlines a consensus agreement signed on June 16, 2015, with various stakeholders including EfficiencyOne, Nova Scotia Power Incorporated, the Consumer Advocate, the Small Business Advocate, the Industrial Group, and the Affordable Energy Coalition. The agreement includes multiple witnesses and signatories involved in the regulatory process.
initiatives are not addressed to specifically named customers, there is significantly less uptake, leading to less successful programs. [29] As evidence of the foregoing, E1 relies on the following: - Discussions with Canada Post, as well...
AI summary E1 argues that targeted marketing initiatives yield higher response and conversion rates compared to non-targeted approaches, citing evidence from Canada Post, internal data, and industry benchmarks. Non-targeted campaigns show lower engagement, while targeted email and mail campaigns demonstrate significantly improved participation.
the Department's Minister approved the "blue route". But there was no official announcement until 2005, after the completion of an environmental assessment. In the meantime, public meetings continued.
AI summary The Department's Minister approved the 'blue route' project, but no official announcement occurred until 2005 following an environmental assessment. Public meetings continued during this period.
Consumer advocate - 91 (1) Where the Governor in Council directs or the Board on its own motion decides, the Board shall appoint a person to act as a consumer advocate in a hearing before the Board. - (2) A consumer advocate appointed purs...
AI summary The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (UARB) may appoint a consumer advocate to represent residential consumers in hearings. The advocate acts as a full intervenor, with authority to negotiate settlements and access legal/technical expertise. Fees and expenses are paid by applicants, and the Governor in Council may regulate qualifications.
Small business advocate - 92 (1) In this Section, - (a) "prescribed" means prescribed by the regulations made pursuant to subsection (7); - (b) "small business" means a business - (i) of a prescribed type, - (ii) to which prescribed rate c...
AI summary The section defines 'small business' and outlines the appointment of a small business advocate by the Board. The advocate acts as a full intervenor, with the Board's authority to set fees and expenses, including expert costs. Regulations by the Governor in Council define eligibility criteria and advocate qualifications.
Regulations - 34 (1) The Governor in Council may make regulations - (a) prescribing the terms and conditions, including remuneration, for the Board engaging the services of professional persons, technical persons and experts to advise the...
AI summary Section 34 outlines the Governor in Council's authority to regulate the Board's operations, including terms for engaging experts, public notice requirements, participation rules, record-keeping, information release, and definitions. Regulations may apply generally or to specific classes of matters, with legislative supremacy over conflicting Acts. The power is governed by the Regulations Act, 1992.
> __________ 1 2 3 HANSARD 09-29 DEBATES AND PROCEEDINGS Speaker: Honourable Charlie Parker 4 Published by Order of the Legislature by Hansard Reporting Services and printed by the Queen's Printer. 5 Available on INTERNET at http://nslegis...
AI summary This text discusses the introduction of Bill No. 49, the Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation Act, which follows recommendations from Dr. David Wheeler's report. The bill aims to establish the Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation and is part of a legislative process involving public consultation and stakeholder engagement.