The gas utilities should roll-forward their 2014 DSM plans, including all programs and parameters (i.e., budget, targets, incentive structure) into 2015. Both Enbridge and Union requested that their 2014 activities be rolled-forward into 2015 to help facilitate a smooth evolution into the new DSM framework.
The Board agrees this is appropriate and will allow the gas utilities to fully consider the new DSM framework and appropriately develop their DSM portfolio and suite of programs that will make up their new multi-year plans. The gas utilities should increase their budgets, targets and shareholder incentive amounts in the same manner as they have done throughout the current DSM framework (i.e., 2013 updates to 2014 should now apply as 2014 updates to 2015). The Board expects the gas utilities’ new multi-year DSM plans will fully address the guiding principles and key priorities outlined in the framework.
Currently, DSM amounts have already been approved and are included in rates for both Enbridge and Union25. If necessary, the gas utilities may modify their current suite of programs and re-allocate funds between approved programs up to a maximum of 30% of the approved annual DSM budget for an individual DSM program. Additionally, the gas utilities may increase overall spending by up to 15%, consistent with the Board’s guidance as part of the gas utilities’ current, approved DSM plans, and use these additional funds to begin to incorporate and address the guiding principles and key priorities outlined in the DSM framework. If a gas utility incurs DSM spending greater than that which has been previously approved, it should track these expenditures in the DSM variance account for clearance in a future proceeding.