Dartmouth
The following provides a high-level summary of some of the comments received during Electricity System Review public consultation meetings. They do not represent a consensus or a majority of opinions, but simply comments and dialogue captured by department staff.
Dartmouth - September 30, 2014
Energy Sources
- Some participants thought we should keep adding renewables but that we also need to find ways to store energy.
- Some participants questioned whether heat pumps will help to balance load between summer and winter, and if not, where is the electric backup?
- Some participants expressed the view that if we continue with renewables – and do not balance out our summer and winter peaks - energy will be wasted since we pay to produce it whether we use it or not. However, others expressed that this is similar to coal in that we pay for the capital asset regardless of how much we use it.
- Some participants thought it would be better if individuals were able to produce their own renewable electricity at home.
- Some participants suggested that adding renewables would mean more energy security (local production) and more jobs here.
- Other participants saw the need to start accounting for the increased cost of backup power if we take on more renewables.
- Some participants thought we need to do a better job of harnessing the renewables that we have.
- Some thought we should be getting the cheapest electricity for as long as we can.
- Some wanted more focus on energy efficiency.
Innovation
- Some expressed the view that we should be making early investments in storage and energy management technologies that will help balance our load and make better use of renewables.
- Some thought we should be investing in the concept of negawatts – rewarding those that use less.
- Some thought we are already behind on innovation – we don’t need to fall any further behind.
- A view was expressed that our rates will drive innovation. When rates are high, it will force innovation and behavior changes.
- It was suggestedthat builders should be building more energy efficient houses.
- A view was expressed that the scale of our market/grid makes it harder for things to be cost effective.
- Some thought we should be looking to export to areas like New York with high electricity prices.
- Some commented that smart grid is a proven technology and we should be increasing uptake, while others felt that this should be a consumer choice.
Governance
- Some thought we need to be more responsive to changes in the way that the grid is managed – we may not be able to stop the tide of microgrid so we might as well adjust.
- Views were expressed to suggest that with more storage and grid integration there may be more opportunities to manage load, etc.
- A view was expressed that industrial users should have to make their own power to meet peak demand.
- It was suggested that there should be a shared saving mechanism.
- Some thought there could be no benefit from competition due to Nova Scotia’s market size.
- Some thought the current model is good, but that institutional bias should be considered.
- A view was expressed that media attention on NSPI is much more than for utilities in other jurisdictions.
- Some suggested we should consider separating the power lines and the source.
- A suggestion was made that we should compare the current cost of service to a performance-based regulation (PBR) model if left as is.