Topic:"System Reliability" in M12282

s required to maintain electric  grid stability and power quality Transmission Capacity Maintaining the availability of the transmission system to transport  Transmission electricity safely and reliably Transmission System Electricity lo...

AI summary The text outlines key performance indicators related to the transmission and distribution systems, including grid stability, power quality, transmission and distribution capacity, system losses, and voltage levels. These metrics are essential for maintaining reliable electricity delivery.

 fuel price volatility. Operational risk or failure of DER. Reliability Either captured under utility system reliability  or host customer resilience Resilience EE (weatherization) enables buildings to withstand outages better; DG. Distr...

AI summary The text discusses various non-energy impacts of efficiency and distributed energy resources (DER), including reliability, resilience, tax impacts, asset value, and water cost impacts. It mentions how DER can improve system reliability and customer resilience, the potential for tax incentives, and how efficiency measures can reduce water consumption.

economic metrics of supply-side investments. Energy Futures Group, Inc PO Box 587, Hinesburg, VT 05461 – USA 802-482-5001 802-329-2143 [email protected] DATE FILED: May 16, 2025 Page 8 of 68 EfficiencyOne Benefit-Cost Analysis Te...

AI summary The document discusses the evaluation of demand-side management (DSM) programs under the Public Utilities Act, emphasizing the use of a jurisdictional-specific benefit-cost analysis test. It outlines the structure of the DSM plan, the role of proxy adders in accounting for non-energy benefits, and the importance of reliability in reducing electricity outages.

other general system impacts. 21 Table 8 provides a brief description and examples of electric system impacts. Table 8: Electric System Impact Definitions Impact Type Utility System Impact Description and Examples The production or procure...

AI summary The text discusses electric system impacts, including energy generation, capacity, environmental compliance, market price effects, and transmission capacity. Table 8 provides definitions and examples of these impacts, such as line losses, compliance with renewable standards, and wholesale market price changes.

Utility outreach to trade allies, technical training, marketing, Program Administration administration/management, & evaluation of effort to promote DERs Incentives offered to utilities to encourage successful, effective Utility Performanc...

AI summary The text discusses various aspects of utility operations, including outreach, program administration, risk management, system reliability, resilience, and compliance with regulatory requirements. It highlights efforts to promote distributed energy resources (DERs), incentives for utilities, and the importance of adhering to regulatory standards such as FERC Order 2222.

indicating which of the utility system impacts in Table 8 were included in the BCA test that E1 used to screen the 2023-2025 DSM portfolio. Appendix B presents the results of this exercise. The results indicated there was not always a comm...

AI summary The text discusses the need for clarity and consensus on how to treat utility system impacts (USIs) in the Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) framework, particularly in the context of the 2023-2025 DSM portfolio. It highlights gaps in understanding around transmission and distribution loss factors and ancillary services valuation, and emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement and documentation.

13 0.80 $ 2,679,751 2.0% 12 2037 $ 0.53 $ 2.05 $ 1.53 2,186,513 0.79 $ 2,634,238 2.0% 13 2038 $ 0.54 $ 2.07 $ 1.53 2,186,513 0.77 $ 2,589,529 2.0% 14 2039 $ 0.55 $ 2.08 $ 1.54 2,186,513 0.76 $ 2,545,608 2.0% 15 2040 $ 0.56 $ 2.10 $ 1.54 2,...

AI summary The text discusses the offsetting effects of fuel oil savings and increased electric system costs, captured under utility system impacts in the BCA framework. It references Table 19, which outlines the financial implications of energy generation and system capacity costs, and notes the net impact of $21.5 million.

l of electric system impact savings for this option. The value of increased or decreased system peak impacts and reliability are assumed to be embedded in the avoided cost values provided by NS Power. (e) Yes, reliability impacts are assum...

AI summary The text discusses how reliability impacts are embedded in avoided cost values provided by NS Power, aligning with E1's current practice. This relates to the evaluation of system impact savings and reliability considerations in the context of demand-side management.

ii) How many states in the database are currently using a Societal Cost Test (SCT) for DSM portfolios, programs or measures? (Please identify the related states and whether the test is applied at the measure, program or portfolio level) ii...

AI summary The text lists nine questions about the use of Societal Cost Test (SCT) and measurement of various societal impacts (resilience, environmental, public health, etc.) in Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) for Demand-Side Management (DSM) across states in a database. It seeks details on which states apply these tests/impacts and at what level (measure, program, portfolio).

Date Filed: July 4, 2025 E1 (SBA) IR-12 Page 2 of 2 1 Request IR-13: 3 ii) Improvements in productivity are very project and site specific. Please refer to 4 EfficiencyOne's (E1) response to NSEB IR-16. 5 iii) Please refer to E1's response...

AI summary The document references EfficiencyOne's (E1) responses to various inquiries regarding energy efficiency's impact on productivity, affordability, economic benefits, comfort, and system resilience. It also mentions the Energy Futures Group (EFG) report for definitions related to resilience and reliability.

Project Development, Socio-Economic Impact Assessment and Mitigation Provide support in project development, local investment opportunities or socio-economic impact mitigation programs for energy projects, including northern Manitoba, Yuko...

AI summary The text outlines support for energy project development, socio-economic impact mitigation, and community compensation resolution in regions like northern Manitoba, Yukon, and NWT. Examples include transmission line valuation for Indigenous claims, NWT rate strategy development, and feasibility studies for tribal utilities and hydro projects.

1 Table 2. Comparison of Proposed Nova Scotia Test to TRC Test Impact Category Sub-Category Nova Scotia Test Total Resource Cost Test (2023–2025) Electric Utility System Generation ✓ ✓ Transmission ✓ ✓ Distribution ✓ ✓ General ✓ ✓ Gas Util...

AI summary Table 2 compares the proposed Nova Scotia Test with the TRC Test, focusing on different impact categories such as electric and gas utility systems, non-utility systems, and various subcategories. The table highlights differences in how costs and benefits are considered, particularly in the 'Host Customer' and 'Societal' categories.

egarding the application of Potomac Electric Company for a Multi‐Year Plan and Performance Incentive Mechanisms. On behalf of the Maryland Office of People's Counsel. March 3, 2021 and April 20, 2021. Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission...

AI summary Testimonies by Alice Napoleon and Courtney Lane on energy efficiency, multi-year plans, and energy storage programs for utilities in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia. Testimonies were submitted on behalf of the Maryland Office of People's Counsel, Natural Resources Defense Council, and National Grid, addressing regulatory applications and energy policies.

Vermont - Reviewed and analyzed program proposals for the Community Energy & Efficiency Development Fund (CEED Fund), including the development of scoring and rebalancing mechanisms and reviewing and revising cost-effectiveness analyses fo...

AI summary Activities include analyzing the Community Energy & Efficiency Development Fund (CEED Fund) proposals, developing cost-effectiveness models for energy efficiency programs, supporting Efficiency Vermont's operations, and assisting Vermont Gas Systems' transition. Work spans 2000–2017, focusing on energy efficiency, reliability gap assessments, and technical tool development for utilities in Vermont.

Reliability Impacts In response to Eastward's IR-08(e), E1 stated that " reliability impacts are assumed to be embedded in the avoided cost values provided by NS Power " , and in response to Eastward's IR-08(d) EFG stated that " [t]he valu...

AI summary Eastward challenges the assumption that reliability impacts are embedded in NS Power's avoided cost values, urging confirmation. E1 and EFG assert these impacts are already accounted for. Eastward highlights grid reliability risks from electrification and severe weather, citing examples from Canada. Natural gas system reliability is emphasized, with 99.99998% reliability noted for Eastward's system.

• Reliability Impacts - o Eastward is concerned that peak cost and system reliability impacts are only assumed to be reflected in NSPI's avoided cost values, and believes this should be confirmed with a clear explanation of how those costs...

AI summary Eastward argues that NSPI's avoided cost values may not fully capture peak cost and reliability impacts, requiring clarification. E1's BCA test should account for natural gas reliability losses. Eastward supports Posterity Group's evidence submission.

- The Quebec Government recognized the importance of hybrid heating in its 2030 Plan for a Green Economy: "Fully electrifying heating would not be ideal for Québec. It would create a significant peak demand issue at certain times during th...

AI summary The text discusses the benefits of hybrid heating systems, citing examples from Quebec, Ontario, and FortisBC. It highlights concerns about full electrification of heating, such as increased peak demand and costs, and the need for natural gas as a complementary energy source for reliability and grid stability.

Project Development, Socio-Economic Impact Assessment and Mitigation Provide support in project development, local investment opportunities or socio-economic impact mitigation programs for energy projects, including northern Manitoba, Yuko...

AI summary The text outlines support for energy project development, socio-economic impact mitigation, and local investment opportunities in regions like northern Manitoba, Yukon, and NWT. It includes examples of projects such as transmission line valuation for Indigenous claims, rate strategy development in NWT, and hydro system resiliency studies.

The multiple benefits of energy efficiency The International Energy Agency has highlighted that energy efficiency improvements produce multiple benefits for customers, society, and the environment.4 It does not make sense to have a cost-ef...

AI summary Energy efficiency offers multifaceted benefits, including non-financial advantages for customers and society. Nova Scotia's cost-effectiveness tests must account for these benefits, not just customer costs. E1's framework is praised for focusing on specific benefits, allowing alignment with policy goals. Low-income households and resilience are highlighted as priority areas, with recommendations to adjust benefit quantification as technologies evolve.

Potential Effects on Mi'kmaq Communities The consideration of non-energy benefits means that DSM programs may be more effective in supporting Mi'kmaq communities, particularly those in remote or underserved areas. Programs that account for...

AI summary The text highlights that incorporating non-energy benefits (NEB) into Demand Side Management (DSM) programs can better support Mi'kmaq communities, especially in remote areas, by improving home comfort, affordability, and resilience. It also emphasizes potential community-level benefits like green jobs and local capacity-building through partnerships with Mi'kmaq groups.

- Cost Effective Contributions to New York's Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Targets from Enegy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Resources , ACEEE 2004 Summer Study Proceedings, Volume 8 (with David Hill et al.) - Opportunities for Accele...

AI summary The document lists publications and reports on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and policy analysis, authored by individuals and organizations such as ACEEE, Connecticut Office of Consumer Counsel, and Vermont Electric Power Company. Topics include emission reduction strategies, program evaluation, and electric system reliability.

E1 Response - E1 notes that NS Power's avoided cost of capacity implicitly includes reliability impacts through a planning reserve margin adjustment. This captures any changes in reliability requirements based on changes in load. If reliab...

AI summary E1 notes that NS Power's avoided cost of capacity includes reliability impacts via a planning reserve margin adjustment. This accounts for reliability changes based on load variations. E1 suggests that if reliability differs between scenarios, incremental reliability impacts beyond existing avoided costs could be assessed.

7.4 LOST VALUE OF THE NATURAL GAS SYSTEM RELIABILITY

AI summary This section addresses the lost value associated with the reliability of the natural gas system in Nova Scotia. Key acronyms and entities involved in the regulatory proceeding are outlined, though detailed analysis or arguments are not provided in the excerpted text.

Eastward Eastward Energy also argues: [...A]ny benefit cost analysis related to natural gas must incorporate the expanded legislated mandate of the natural gas system as noted above. It must also capture the lost value of the natural gas s...

AI summary Eastward Energy argues that any benefit-cost analysis (BCA) for natural gas must account for the expanded legislated mandate of the natural gas system and the lost value of system reliability, as highlighted in a cited reference.

E1 Response E1 interprets this as referring to customer reliability impacts rather than system reliability impacts. - E1 agrees in principle that if a customer's reliability decreases as a result of electrification this should be considere...

AI summary E1 argues that customer reliability impacts from electrification should be considered in host customer proxy impacts, but only when natural gas customers lose backup capabilities or appliances that function without electricity. This would be reviewed via E1's 'evergreen' process, with specific conditions outlined.

Reliability Impacts In response to Eastward Energy's IR-08(e) E1 stated that "reliability impacts are assumed to be embedded in the avoided cost values provided by NS Power". In its Rebuttal Evidence E1 stated that "NS Power's avoided cost...

AI summary Eastward Energy challenges NS Power's assumption that reliability impacts are embedded in avoided cost values, arguing for explicit confirmation of reliability considerations in capacity costs. It also emphasizes that natural gas benefit-cost analyses must account for lost system reliability value.

- Generation System Impacts, including avoided energy production, avoided generation capacity, avoided carbon compliance costs, avoided variable O&M and generation risk and reliability impacts; - Transmission System Impacts, including avoi...

AI summary The proposed BCA test evaluates impacts across generation, transmission, distribution, and utility systems, including avoided costs and reliability benefits. It also incorporates non-utility impacts from legislation like the Energy Reform Act, covering host-customer benefits, fuel savings, and societal GHG reductions. Key areas include system efficiency, customer well-being, and environmental outcomes.

ustification that would be required to possibly justify a measure that would have such a negative benefit and a benefit cost ratio substantially below 1.0. [Eastward Energy Closing Submissions, p. 9] [66] In terms of reliability impacts, E...

AI summary Eastward Energy argues that benefit-cost analyses for natural gas must account for reliability impacts and ancillary service costs, requesting explicit confirmation from Nova Scotia Power. It emphasizes balancing legislative requirements in determining cost tests and highlights the need for a 2% social discount rate consideration.

rd are grounded in its main function of fixing just and reasonable rates ("rate setting") and in protecting the integrity and dependability of the supply system. [Emphasis added] [Exhibit E-13, p. 8]

AI summary The text emphasizes that regulatory decisions are grounded in rate-setting and protecting the integrity of the supply system. It references Exhibit E-13, page 8, but does not elaborate on specific arguments or entities involved in the proceeding.

4.8 Avoided Costs [212] Eastward raised concern about NS Power's avoided cost values and requested confirmation that ancillary service costs, peak costs and system reliability are embedded in the avoided cost values. Eastward also requeste...

AI summary Eastward questioned NS Power's avoided cost values, seeking confirmation that ancillary service costs, peak costs, and system reliability are included. NS Power explained that peak demand, ancillary services, and reliability are factored into avoided cost modeling, using the latest IRP model and ongoing DSMAG discussions. The Board accepted this response as adequate.

4.9 Natural Gas System Reliability [215] In its evidence [Exhibit E-11], Eastward raised concerns about the potential for E1 to propose natural gas to electricity conversion as a strategic electrification project in its upcoming DSM portfo...

AI summary Eastward raised concerns about E1's proposed natural gas-to-electricity conversion project, citing a negative net benefit and low benefit-cost ratio. Eastward emphasized the need to account for natural gas system reliability in such projects. E1 responded that it agrees to consider reliability impacts in future proposals, which the Board accepted as sufficient.

Request IR-8: - Refer to Appendix B, Development of a Jurisdictional Benefit Cost Analysis Framework for Nova - Scotia report prepared by EFG (hereinafter, the "EFG Report") on pages 12-14. Table 1 indicates - that all Electric Utility Sys...

AI summary Request IR-8 seeks clarification on whether all Electric Utility System Impacts, including those deemed not applicable or not material, are included in the proposed Nova Scotia Test, referencing the EFG Report's Tables 1-3 and Appendix B.

Request IR-13: - Refer to page 32 and Table 7 in the EFG Report. - a. Please list the "Other" Non-Utility System Impacts that the stakeholder organizations recommended. b. EFG states that "the checks are aligned with cases where 3 or more...

AI summary Request IR-13 asks for a list of 'Other' Non-Utility System Impacts from the EFG Report and seeks clarification on why Energy Security is excluded from the Nova Scotia Test despite stakeholder support. It references page 32 and Table 7 of the EFG Report and questions the alignment of EFG's criteria with stakeholder input.

Request IR-21: - Refer to Table 17 on page 49 of the EFG report. - a. Table 17 indicates that electric vehicles (EV) do not provide resilience benefits. Did the DSMAG or EFG consider vehicle-to-building applications, such as using EV batte...

AI summary Request IR-21 questions whether EV resilience benefits were considered, specifically vehicle-to-building applications, and why public health impacts differ between EVs and building electrification. References Table 17 from the EFG report and seeks clarification on resilience and public health materiality.

- (f) Does E1 propose to consider reliability benefits and/or costs to the electric system associated with fuel switching measures, including measures which increase system or local peak loads? 2 Reference: Appendix B, Textbox 1, Item 8 "E...

AI summary The text asks whether E1 proposes to consider reliability benefits and costs related to fuel switching measures, particularly those that may increase system or local peak loads. It references a recommendation to use benefit per kilowatt hour estimates for local non-greenhouse gas air pollutants from the US Environmental Protection Agency for the New England region as an approximation for Nova Scotia.

- iv. How many states in the database are currently measuring Societal "Other Environmental" (excluding GHG emissions) impacts for their related BCA test? (Please identify the related states and whether the test is applied at the measure,...

AI summary The text outlines a series of questions seeking data on how many states measure specific societal and non-utility impacts (e.g., public health, economic development, energy security) within their Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) tests, including the scope (measure, program, portfolio level) of these assessments.

Request IR-9: - Please provide a summary of the feedback provided by the DSMAG regarding the final draft EFG - report, as referenced on page 20 of 38 of E1's Evidence. - Request IR-10: - Table 4: NSPM BCA Guiding Principles - a) Principle...

AI summary The document outlines regulatory requests related to DSM and DER BCA analyses. Key issues include clarifying the basis for comparing DER scenarios in BCA, identifying unlisted utility impacts, and evaluating the inclusion of policy goals in BCA tests. E1 is asked to confirm the Board's discretion in approving portfolios despite BCA results.

Request IR-18: - Table 9: Societal Impacts, please elaborate on the following terms and definitions relating to - energy efficiency: - a) Resilience - b) Other Environmental - i. Please differentiate between Greenhouse Gas Emissions - c) P...

AI summary Request IR-18 seeks clarification on societal impact terms in Table 9, focusing on energy efficiency aspects like resilience, greenhouse gas emissions, public health, and energy security. It requests differentiation between greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental factors.

Request IR-39: - Page 36, Resilience, measures if a DER can help the electric system recover from a catastrophic - event. Please list the incentives and programs that E1 offers that provide resilience value to the - electric system.

AI summary Request IR-39 asks E1 to list incentives and programs that provide resilience value to the electric system through DER.

Request IR-42: - In reference to Table 14, please provide empirical evidence demonstrating cause between the - measure type and the customer segment. - Request IR-43: - With regards to Table 15 on page 47 of 68 of EFG's report, please expl...

AI summary The document contains five requests (IR-42 to IR-46) seeking clarifications on empirical evidence, definitions (e.g., weatherization), energy security linkages, air quality benefit comparisons between Nova Scotia and New England, and implications of Canada's carbon tax abolition on E1's cost calculations. Key entities include E1, Nova Scotia Power, and Environment Canada.

HYBRID PEAKING RESOURCES Subsection 2(c) of the Gas Distribution Act was added to the Act to make one of the specified purposes of the Act to facilitate the use of gas as a hybrid peaking resource to satisfy the integrated electricity syst...

AI summary Subsection 2(c) of the Gas Distribution Act enables hybrid peaking resources to meet electricity demand. Posterity Group advocates for hybrid heating in the 2027-2031 DSM Plan, supported by Nova Scotia Power, E3, and provincial examples. E1 acknowledges hybrid heating's evaluation under the BCA framework, with the IRP highlighting potential $2.3 billion savings.

RELIABILITY IMPACTS In its Rebuttal Evidence E1 stated that "NS Power's avoided cost of capacity implicitly includes reliability impacts through a planning reserve margin adjustment" 44 , and "If reliability differs between modelled scenar...

AI summary The document discusses reliability impacts in energy planning, noting that E1 claims avoided costs include reliability adjustments. Experts confirm adding capacity increases reserve margins and system impacts should be considered. EFG assumes ancillary service costs are embedded in avoided costs. Eastward argues reliability differences must be assessed explicitly, opposing deferral to future reviews and requesting NS Power to clarify ancillary service inclusion.

CONCLUSION In conclusion Eastward respectfully requests that the Board: - 1. make a preliminary and final order that Eastward be added as a full member of the DSMAG in accordance with the Board's general supervision of E1 pursuant to secti...

AI summary Eastward requests the Board to add it as a DSMAG member, prioritize hybrid heating in E1's DSM plan, use marginal emissions in modelling, guide benefit-cost thresholds, assess natural gas reliability impacts, confirm ancillary costs from Nova Scotia Power, adjust electrification values, balance legislative requirements in BCA tests, and consider EFG's sustainable development emphasis.

3.5 RELIABILITY IMPACTS - Eastward insists that benefit-cost analyses must fully account for the reliability advantages of natural gas - systems, and that any loss of reliability from electrification should be explicitly considered. - The...

AI summary Eastward Energy argues that reliability impacts of electrification must be explicitly considered in benefit-cost analyses, while E1 agrees in principle under specific conditions, such as full electrification without backup gas. E1 proposes addressing these issues via the proposed BCA test and the evergreen process. Eastward seeks immediate action, but lacks evidence of imminent impacts. E1 trusts NS Power's avoided costs include ancillary service costs, pending further confirmation.

ates the following avoided utility system costs, which are intended to include the full set of utility system impacts permissible under the Public Utilities Act and consistent with NSPM definitions:

AI summary The analysis outlines avoided utility system costs calculated under the Public Utilities Act (PUA) and aligned with National Standard Practice Manual (NSPM) definitions, encompassing all permissible utility system impacts.

ustification that would be required to possibly justify a measure that would have such a negative benefit and a benefit cost ratio substantially below 1.0. [Eastward Energy Closing Submissions, p. 9] [66] In terms of reliability impacts, E...

AI summary Eastward Energy argues that benefit-cost analyses for natural gas projects must account for reliability impacts and ancillary service costs, seeking clarification from NS Power. It emphasizes balancing legislative requirements for sustainable development and critiques the 2% social discount rate. The Board is urged to ensure reliability value is captured in avoided costs.

rd are grounded in its main function of fixing just and reasonable rates ("rate setting") and in protecting the integrity and dependability of the supply system. [Emphasis added] [Exhibit E-13, p. 8]

AI summary The NSUARB's role in rate setting and ensuring system integrity and dependability is emphasized, highlighting its focus on just and reasonable rates for utility services.

4.9 Natural Gas System Reliability [215] In its evidence [Exhibit E-11], Eastward raised concerns about the potential for E1 to propose natural gas to electricity conversion as a strategic electrification project in its upcoming DSM portfo...

AI summary Eastward raised concerns about E1's proposed natural gas-to-electricity conversion project, citing a negative net benefit and low benefit-cost ratio. E1 clarified its example was illustrative and agreed to consider reliability impacts in future proposals. The Board accepted E1's response to address reliability concerns in such projects.