Third Year Review of Time-Varying Rates in Nova Scotia
On behalf of the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board ("Board") Counsel, Synapse testified regarding Nova Scotia Power's Tim-Varying Pricing pilot program's Year Three Report. In our testimony, we noted the relative misalignment of the highest system net load hours with time-of-use (TOU) peak periods, primarily due to the exclusion of weekends from the peak period, and recommended the implementation of a TOU rate that includes weekend peak pricing. We also identified periods of low system margin as a better indicator of if when to call a Critical Peak Pricing (CPP) event. Additionally, we highlighted the potential for the non-coincident demand charge to discourage commercial customer participation in time-varying rates, and advocated for further evaluation of this possibility. Finally, we recommended modifications to customer outreach to better communicate the seasonality of expected bill savings.
The Board agreed with Synapse's findings and directed Nova Scotia Power to provide an analysis of the correspondence of system margin forecasts and CPP events; provide a weekend-inclusive TOU tariff for stakeholder review; evaluate the extent to which commercial customers' bills will increase from load shifting on TOU rates due to the demand charge; and report on its proposed changes to its marketing and communication efforts. Project completed in 2024.