Time-Varying Pricing Pilot Evaluation

In 2019, Nova Scotia Power (NS Power) launched the two-year Time-Varying Pricing Pilot program offering residential and business customers the option to enroll in time-of-use (TOU) or critical peak pricing (CPP) rate structures. NS Power retained Econoler to evaluate the first two years of pilot operations by quantifying effects on participant electricity consumption, peak demand, and overall system impacts. This work combined impact and process evaluation methods with advanced analysis of hourly advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) data.

The Econoler team organized, cleaned, and analyzed large volumes of interval meter data for several thousands of participants and non-participants. The analysis was based on panel data estimations using control and treatment groups and fixed-effects regression analyses to isolate rate-driven impacts. Separate analyses were conducted for TOU and CPP participants, with results segmented by customer sector, heating fuel, and other characteristics to assess impacts by customer class and time period. 

In parallel, the mandate included a process evaluation drawing on survey data and program documentation to assess participant behaviour, satisfaction, and response to pricing signals. Findings informed recommendations related to rate design, customer segmentation, communications, and the potential role of enabling technologies such as smart thermostats.