Province To Seek Input on Administration of Electricity Demand Management Program

This winter, the province will seek input on how an electricity-based demand side management program should be administered.

Demand-side management (DSM) programs help cut energy consumption and reduce peak electricity demand.

Under current legislation, only Nova Scotia Power can administer the program. The province would need to change the legislation to allow a different administrator.

"Whoever runs this program has to be accountable for its success," said acting minister Jamie Muir, on behalf of Richard Hurlburt, Minister of Energy and Minister responsible for Conserve Nova Scotia. "We want to have an open discussion with stakeholders to ensure we make an informed decision around DSM administration. We have to examine whether any new legislation is needed."

In advance of the provincial consultations, the Utility and Review Board will lead meetings with registered parties to examine such issues as:

• the types of programs, incentives and public information available
• how demand-side management costs are recovered from electricity customers
• what objectives, targets, measurements and reporting structures need to be set.

The meetings begin on Thursday, Nov. 1, however, the meetings will not consider who will administer the program.

"There are many different models of DSM administration out there," continued Mr. Muir. "A separate, government-led stakeholder session will consider these alternatives and build consensus on the best way to administer programming in Nova Scotia."

The government-led consultations will begin in February after the Utility and Review Board consultations are complete. The sessions will examine different administration and accountability models, including administration by an independent utility, a Crown corporation, Nova Scotia Power, or some other form determined through the consultation process.