Topic:"Stakeholder Engagement" in M12249

1.8 DSMAG ENGAGEMENT - The DSMAG consultation timeline in relation to the 2026 DSM Extension has been condensed as a result - of the legislation being first introduced in February 2025 and brought into force March 26, 2025. Despite - this...

AI summary The DSMAG consultation timeline for the 2026 DSM Extension was condensed due to the Public Utilities Act (PUA) being introduced in February 2025 and enacted in March 2025. E1 engaged DSMAG through meetings in March/April 2025 and a technical briefing on April 22, 2025, and plans continued engagement during the application process.

2.5 ENGAGEMENT ON 2027-2031 DSM PLAN E1 intends to utilize the intervening time between now and the anticipated 2027-2031 DSM Plan filing in Q1 2026 by continuing the engagement process with the DSMAG on E1's first five-year DSM Plan which...

AI summary E1 plans to continue engaging with the DSMAG on the 2027-2031 DSM Plan, accelerating consultations in Q3/Q4 2025 and aiming to file the plan in Q1 2026. The process is already underway as of the filing date.

[emphasis added ] E1 supports this requirement as an important part of DSM planning and has adhered to it for each subsequent DSM Plan application. However, in this extension application, the investment amount is statutorily mandated. As s...

AI summary E1 supports DSM planning requirements but argues the Board directive is inapplicable to the 2026 DSM Extension application due to statutorily mandated investment amounts. E1 plans to develop an alternative scenario for the 2027-2031 DSM Plan through stakeholder consultation. A 2016-2018 DSM Plan decision (M06733) is referenced.

2.5.5 D SM AG EN GAGEMEN T The DSMAG is a forum to provide strategic or directional advice on current or emerging DSM issues including development of future DSM applications and plans. In developing the 2026 DSM Extension, E1 engaged the D...

AI summary The DSMAG provided strategic advice on DSM issues, engaging stakeholders for the 2026 DSM Extension. Engagement was limited due to February 2025 legislative amendments requiring a one-year extension to the 2023-2025 Plan. E1 led a comprehensive process for the 2026-2030 Plan, including stakeholder feedback and BCA development, with continued engagement planned for the 2027-2031 Plan.

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 5.2.3 EFFICIENT PROD UCT IN STALLATION Efficient Product Installation conducts energy efficient upgrades for homeowners and renters, at no-cost. During a home visit, qualified installers provide free installation of energy efficient pro...

AI summary Efficient Product Installation offers free energy upgrades, including smart devices and efficiency measures, to homeowners and renters. Customers are auto-enrolled in Eco Shift (E1's Demand Response program), enhancing capacity and promoting energy savings through direct engagement and education during home visits.

7 Table 17: 2026 Summary of Custom Program Component Extension Investment ($M) Energy Savings (GWh) Demand Savings (MW) Participation (projects) 2026 Total 9.8 34.0 7.0 172 Program Component Changes • approved 2023-2025 Plan. • Efficiency...

AI summary Table 17 outlines the 2026 DSM Extension with $9.8M investment, 34GWh energy savings, 7MW demand savings, and 172 participating projects. The 2023-2025 Plan was approved, and the 2026 strategy includes targeted marketing, AMI data use, and engagement with professionals. Attachment 3 provides detailed measure-level data.

6 6. DEMAND RESPONSE In the 2023-2025 Plan, E1 introduced a new demand response (DR) program, a significant new development for the Nova Scotia electricity sector and E1. In the 2020 IRP, DR was selected as a new cost- effective resource f...

AI summary E1 introduced a new demand response (DR) program in the 2023-2025 Plan, building on 2019 DR pilots and the 2020 IRP's recognition of DR as a cost-effective resource. Collaborating with NS Power and Guidehouse, E1 developed DR pathways like battery control and CPP, with plans to expand initiatives in 2026. The 2023-2025 DSM Plan aimed to test DR feasibility and optimize costs.

21 Table 22: 2026 DSM Extension Enabling Strategies Enabling Strategy Category 2026 Investment ($ million) 2026 Areas of Focus Education & Outreach $1.6 • Areas of focus for 2026 Education & Outreach activities align with the approved 2023...

AI summary The 2026 DSM Extension Enabling Strategies outline investment areas for education and outreach, as well as development and research, aligning with the 2023-2025 Plan. Key focus areas include community outreach, equity-seeking communities, innovation, and green schools.

2. BACKGROUND - On September 28, 2023 the initial session on avoided costs was held with the DSMAG. Since that session - the following activities have occurred: - Sept 28, 2023: DSMAG Session NS Power reviewed their methodology for calcula...

AI summary The document outlines a timeline of activities related to NS Power's avoided costs methodology discussions with the DSMAG from September 2023 to April 2025. Key events include presentations, comment submissions from entities like DNRR, Synapse, and E1, and iterative feedback sessions. The process involves refining avoided cost calculations for transmission, distribution, energy, and capacity.

3.3.8 M UN ICIPAL - As modelled, the Municipal class includes Rate Code 24 only. - The average rate impact over the study period is an increase of 0.2 percent, or 0.01 cents/kWh. Municipal ↑ 0.2% Rates ↓ 0.1% Average Bills - Municipal util...

AI summary The Municipal class (Rate Code 24) experiences a 0.2% rate increase and 0.1% average bill decrease. E1 program participation by all Municipal Electric Utilities results in identical bill impacts for participants and total customers, though individual participation is not modeled. This simplification affects rate and bill effect analysis for MEU customers.

4.3 PARTICIPATION

AI summary The section titled '4.3 PARTICIPATION' outlines regulatory considerations related to stakeholder involvement in Nova Scotia utility proceedings, referencing acronyms and entities involved in energy efficiency, demand response, and regulatory analysis.

4.3.1 ACTIVE PARTICIPATION M ETHOD OLOGY - Previously, participant estimates were calculated using a 'cumulative' methodology. This did not account - for the measure life of savings, resulting in the potential for the number of cumulative...

AI summary The document discusses a shift from a cumulative to an annual/active participation methodology in DSM programs to address overestimation of participants and underestimation of savings. E1's new approach tracks active participation yearly with weighted-average measure life, improving accuracy in RBIA models. Program-level participation data will no longer be included in RBIA but will remain in E1's reports.

Goals Statement - Excellence in the integration of knowledge, method, and practice. - Improvement and learning at all levels. - Contextually sound measurement, analysis, and reporting. - Anticipate and meet the needs of our clients. - Awar...

AI summary The Goals Statement outlines priorities for a regulatory proceeding, emphasizing integration of knowledge and practice, continuous improvement, contextually sound analysis, client-centric service, ethical research, and innovation. Key themes include excellence in methodology, learning, and ethical responsibility.

C. Home Energy Assessment (HEA) Home Energy Assessment (HEA) is a component of the Existing Residential Programs. This program encourages homeowners to increase the efficiency and comfort of their homes by providing rebates for qualified e...

AI summary The Home Energy Assessment (HEA) program offers rebates for energy efficiency retrofits and equipment. It uses 'test-in/test-out' audits and blower door testing to measure performance. A 2024 marketing campaign focused on promoting heat pumps for electricity-saving homes, though the program also serves non-electric homes since 2018. The 2024 evaluation included surveys, audit reviews, energy savings calculations, and AMI data analysis.

F. Mi'kmaw Home Energy Efficiency Program (MHEEP) MHEEP is a component of the Existing Residential Programs. Initiated in June 2018 as the First Nations Home Energy Efficiency Pilot, MHEEP began operations in 2019 as a residential energy e...

AI summary The Mi'kmaw Home Energy Efficiency Program (MHEEP) provides no-cost energy efficiency upgrades to band-owned homes in 13 Mi'kmaw communities in Nova Scotia. Initiated in 2018 as a pilot, it operates through collaboration with E1 Program Staff, community housing managers, and delivery agents. Upgrades include building envelope improvements, heating equipment, and appliance replacements, assessed via EnerGuide audits. Funding sources are not fully detailed in the text.

H. [Affordable Single-Family Homes (ASFH)](bookmark://_Toc170668323/) The Affordable Single-Family Housing (ASFH) program began in 2023 and provides energy efficiency retrofits and heat pump installations at no cost to income qualified hom...

AI summary The Affordable Single-Family Homes (ASFH) program, launched in 2023, offers free energy efficiency retrofits and heat pump installations to income-qualified homeowners. It partners with Efficiency Nova Scotia's Appliance Retirement and Efficient Product Installation programs. In 2024, 1,210 homes participated, achieving 3.719 GWh in energy savings, up from 1.444 GWh in 2023. Evaluations focused on program impact, savings calculations, and GHG emission reductions.

ld be classed as marketing and promotional support for the measurebased programs, rather than as a residential behaviour program. Figure 10: Efficiency Insights as a Residential Behaviour Program. The contractor for Energy Insights, Bidgel...

AI summary Efficiency Insights, a residential behavior program, uses Bidgely's algorithms to generate Home Energy Reports (HERs) through Nova Scotia Power's MEI platform. Customers complete surveys for personalized reports, and Energy Efficiency Advisors assist interpretation. Launched in May 2024, the program plans to issue up to six HERs annually.

ogram found that enhanced engineering review of tracked measure savings produced good results, including high participant satisfaction a decreasing free ridership. [58](#page-67-0) In this regard, the 58 Free ridership for BNI New Construc...

AI summary The evaluation of the BNI New Construction program highlights successful outcomes, including reduced free ridership and high participant satisfaction. Recommendations include enhancing education, updating program logic models, aligning with NECB 2020, and strengthening builder partnerships to improve market transformation and program effectiveness.

Enabling Strategies There are three Enabling Strategies programs: Education & Outreach; Development & Research; and Other Enabling Strategies. In 2026, investment in these programs at $7.0 million is aligned with the 2025 Forecast. Educati...

AI summary Three Enabling Strategies programs (Education & Outreach, Development & Research, Other Enabling Strategies) with investments of $7.0M in 2026, aligned with the 2025 Forecast. Education & Outreach focuses on community outreach, diverse communities, partnerships, and green schools. Development & Research includes innovation, market research, heat pump water heater pilot, and data analytics.

E1 Responses to Synapse Energy Economics (Synapse) Information Requests NON-CONFIDENTIAL - Email: including acquisition/enrollment targeted emails, existing participant 2 'warming' during off-season period, in-season communications to incr...

AI summary EfficiencyOne (E1) outlines strategies for customer engagement in demand-side management (DSM), including targeted emails, personalized portal messaging, and dealership promotions for EVs. E1 uses AMI data and demographics for customer segmentation and implemented a consolidated Quality Assurance framework in Q4 2024, involving audits and customer surveys. The text references M12249, E1's 2026 DSM Extension application.

Smart Synergy Business Non-Profit and Institutional (BNI) Demand Response) - Marketing and Outreach: The Smart Synergy audience is BNI customers across key verticals in - 4 Nova Scotia. Marketing and outreach are primarily 1-to-1 focused s...

AI summary The Smart Synergy BNI Demand Response program targets Nova Scotia's BNI customers, using AMI data and 1-to-1 outreach to identify demand savings opportunities. Key activities include education, site visits, test events, and post-event feedback collection. Quality assurance involves validating reports and customer insights to refine the program.

leak-down test (defined in section 3.2.1 of UMP) requires that all production loads are turned off, the compressor is shut off and the system is allowed to reach its normal operating system pressure. The Compressed Air Leak Audit Service m...

AI summary EfficiencyOne (E1) describes its Compressed Air Leak Audit Service, developed in 2013 with national experts, using ultrasonic leak detection tools like the Ultraprobe 3000 and OL1 smart sensor. E1 emphasizes low-cost access through complimentary audits, training for industrial staff, and minimizing barriers to participation. The methodology aligns with industry standards from Compressed Air Best Practices and Compressed Air Challenge.

1 Response IR-1-c: - 2 For Green Heat, the evaluation found that the medium user treatment group had a 0.2% - 3 participation rate compared to the 0.1% participation rate for the control group (a difference of one - 4 tenth of one percent)...

AI summary The evaluation of Green Heat's medium user group showed a 0.2% participation rate versus 0.1% in the control group (a 50% relative difference), but the response argues this is not practically significant. The program is deemed to have minimal energy savings per household, functioning mainly as a marketing tool. Redesigning the program to focus on marketing and measure-based bill reductions is recommended.

inistrator, Efficiency Nova Scotia (or "E-1") reviews our recommendations and responds 3 stating which they accept and how they are implementing changes and which recommendations 4 they do not accept. 6 Second, though it feeds forward, our...

AI summary Efficiency Nova Scotia (E1) reviews recommendations, implementing accepted changes and rejecting others. Site visits identify program issues, leading to collaborations with the DSM administrator and NSEB. Examples include revising evaluation processes post-2016 and detecting bulb discrepancies, improving program integrity and policy planning.

Response IR-03 b: 6 This response describes scopes associated with " Policy ", " Plan ", and " Implement ". Policy . Operational policies direct actions. For example, we might consider the interpretations of 9 benefit-cost tests in the pro...

AI summary This response outlines the scopes of Policy, Plan, and Implement in regulatory proceedings. Policy involves hierarchical decision-making with input from stakeholders, while Plan follows NSEB guidance for DSM. Implement allows flexibility in program execution with evaluator roles. Consultants aid in policy refinement and issue identification.

Affiliations Association of Energy Service Professionals (AESP) - Business Issues and Regulatory Models Topic Committee Co-Chair 2023 - present AESP Gas Topic Committee Co-Chair 2019-2023 AESP National Conference Planning Committee 2021, 2...

AI summary The document outlines affiliations of the Association of Energy Service Professionals (AESP) and the Energy Efficiency Alliance (EEA) of Pennsylvania/New Jersey with various committees focused on energy policy and regulatory topics. AESP held leadership roles in business issues, gas, and conference planning from 2019 to 2023, while EEA participated in policy conference planning from 2022 to 2023.

Economic and Policy Analysis Small Business Utility Alliance – Ontario, CA (June 2021 – Present) - Reviewed plan and participated in fully litigated proceeding, including providing testimony on bet practices and program design, coordinatio...

AI summary The Small Business Utility Alliance in Ontario, Canada, participated in a fully litigated proceeding (Matter No. EB-2021-0002) by providing testimony on best practices, program design, coordination with electric programs, cost-effectiveness, shareholder incentives, and stakeholder engagement.

Natural Gas Efficiency Options and EE&C Plan for Peoples Natural Gas Peoples Natural Gas, Inc. – Pennsylvania (September 2017 – February 2019) - Prepared report on program, sector, and portfolio-level cost and savings for 29 natural gas ad...

AI summary Peoples Natural Gas, Inc. prepared a report analyzing natural gas efficiency opportunities across 29 administrators in 11 states, recommending DSM initiatives. They developed a $42 million Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C) Plan and provided ongoing testimony to support its adoption.

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

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

E1 Response In the development of a DSM Plan, E1 relies on several design objectives to guide the decisions that are required during the modelling phase, with one of these design objectives an investment allocation of approximately 50% for...

AI summary E1 explains its investment allocation for the DSM Plan, noting a slight decrease in residential funding from 55% (2023-2025) to 51% (2026 extension), but emphasizes the overall 54% allocation for 2023-2026 remains only 1% lower. E1 plans to consult stakeholders on the 2027-2031 DSM Plan.

E1 Response E1 will carry out, as part of the 2027-2031 DSM Plan development, a comprehensive review of the residential energy efficiency program offerings. E1 plans to work with the Consumer Advocate, Green Energy, and other stakeholders...

AI summary E1 commits to reviewing residential energy efficiency programs as part of its 2027-2031 DSM Plan, ensuring costs are reasonable and aligned with market conditions. Collaboration with stakeholders like the Consumer Advocate and Green Energy is emphasized, along with referencing Quarterly and Annual Reports for cost drivers.

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

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

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

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

6.0 CONCLUSION AND SUMMARY OF BOARD FINDINGS [90] The Board approves E1's proposed performance targets for the 2026 DSM year and the amendments to its 2023-2025 DSM Supply Agreement with NS Power to incorporate the legislative changes and...

AI summary The Board approves E1's 2026 DSM performance targets and amends its DSM Supply Agreement with NSP. E1 must address concerns in its programs, engage with DSMAG, and report PAC results. An Order will be issued.

DSM Resource Plan. The 2026 Extension maintains programming continuity with the 2025 program offerings, ensuring DSM program accessibility for customers and consistency with service delivery partners. EOne proposes to follow the same DSM r...

AI summary EfficiencyOne submits the 2026 DSM Extension Plan, maintaining continuity with prior programs and including appendices with reports, analyses, and technical tables. The plan includes stakeholder engagement acknowledgments and details on rate impacts, equity considerations, and supply agreements.

SMALL BUSINESS ADVOCATE TAKE NOTICE that the Small Business Advocate hereby Intervenes in this proceeding in accordance with the regulations. The Small Business Advocate represents 3 classes of small business (namely 10, 11, and 21 small b...

AI summary The Small Business Advocate intervenes on behalf of three classes of small businesses (classes 10, 11, 21, general, and small industrial) in a regulatory proceeding. Contact information for the advocate and consultants is provided, including representatives from Blackbum Law Inc. and Daymark Energy Advisor.

NOTICE OF INTERVENTION of KWILMU'KW MAW-KLUSUAQN NEGOTIATION OFFICE and ASSEMBLY OF NOV A SCOTIA Ml'KMAQ CHIEFS TAKE NOTICE that Kwilmu'kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office (KMKNO) hereby seeks to intervene in the above Applications and Proc...

AI summary KMKNO and ANSMC intervene in a Nova Scotia Energy Board proceeding supporting EfficiencyOne's 2026 DSM Extension application. They assert Mi'kmaw title to Nova Scotia lands and waters, emphasizing the duty to consult and accommodate. They endorse DSM activities promoting energy efficiency and Mi'kmaw economic opportunities.

Request IR-1: Page 1 of the Evidence of EfficiencyOne ("the Evidence") states, "2023 and 2024 together saw energy savings of 304.3 GWh and demand savings of 58.3 GWh." a. Should the demand savings be GW? b. Does the demand savings include...

AI summary The document outlines four non-confidential information requests related to EfficiencyOne's Demand-Side Management (DSM) program. Requests include clarifying unit measurements (GW vs. GWh), restructuring a table, providing annual progress reports, and detailing DSMAG engagement timelines. The proceeding involves questions about demand savings, reporting requirements, and legislative timelines.

sponse program), and targeted BNI email campaigns based on electricity use patterns using AMI data." - a. How will E1 leverage data analytics tools including segmentation data, website user behaviour insights, and advanced metering infrast...

AI summary The document outlines information requests to E1 regarding the use of AMI data for marketing strategies, personalized messaging, and identifying high-potential customers. It also inquires about the timeline and success metrics for E1's heat pump water heater pilot program. Questions focus on data analytics, segmentation, and program evaluation.

Refer to the Application, Appendix B, Section 7. Conclusion, page 23 of 24 at line 21, where EOne states that "Maximizing customer participation in DSM programs mitigates rate impacts by increasing the number of customers who experience ne...

AI summary EOne asserts that maximizing customer participation in Demand-Side Management (DSM) programs reduces rate impacts by increasing net bill reductions. The proceeding questions EOne's confidence in achieving small business participation and whether other cost-reduction strategies beyond participation rates are being pursued.

- 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.

DEMAND RESPONSE As is evident from the Application (Table 5), the residential demand response program fails both the TRC and PAC tests by a wide margin: 0.3, for both. The BNI demand response program component passes the TRC with a ratio o...

AI summary The residential and BNI demand response (DR) programs fail TRC and PAC tests, with E1's efforts criticized for lack of transparency and formal pilot reports. The Industrial Group urges E1 to improve program effectiveness, commit to cost-effective DR, and coordinate with NSPI for data. Synapse recommends locational DSM in grid-constrained areas, which E1 claims lacks necessary data.

4.4 REMOVING SAVINGS FROM CALCULATION Mr. Peach, in the Peach Report, recommends removing specific evaluated savings results from the portfolio on validation grounds. E1's independent evaluator, Econoler, provided detailed responses suppor...

AI summary Mr. Peach recommends removing specific savings from the portfolio due to validation concerns. E1 and the Industrial Group support retaining these savings, citing Econoler's analysis. The Industrial Group urges the Board to reject Peach's recommendation regarding residential and BNI programs. E1 also plans to engage DSMAG in reviewing the Standardized Filing Framework for the 2027-2031 DSM Plan.

4.6 NS POWER CYBER ATTACK - 14 The Industrial Group has requested that E1 outline any revisions to its 2026 programs in relation to the - 15 impacts of the Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NS Power) cybersecurity breach and the Residential Behaviou...

AI summary The Industrial Group requests E1 to outline revisions to 2026 programs related to the NS Power cyber attack and the Residential Behaviour program. E1 states no material changes are anticipated but will collaborate with NS Power and report updates to the Board and stakeholders.

4.7 INTRA-TERM VARIANCES - 23 The Industrial Group characterizes a 25% change in planned spending by program and customer class as a - 24 "substantial change" and asks the Board to direct tighter within-class controls. While E1 agrees that...

AI summary The Industrial Group argues a 25% spending variance in DSM programs requires tighter controls, but E1 (NS Power) warns this could hinder DSM portfolio management. E1 responded to concerns with enhanced reporting, including quarterly/year-end forecasts, variance explanations, and stakeholder engagement. The Board previously acknowledged E1's concerns about overly restrictive caps.

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

AI summary The Industrial Group criticized E1's 2026 DSM extension application for lacking consultative processes and standardized filings, while E1 defended it as a one-year extension requiring only annual targets. E1 argued program design issues should be addressed in its future five-year DSM Plan.

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

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