Date: May 2026

While conducting a Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA) for any Distributed Energy Resource (DER) can be an analytically intensive exercise, an additional layer of complexity is introduced when examining DERs within the context of certain scenarios. The forthcoming release of the second National Standard Practice Manual (NSPM) includes a chapter dedicated to addressing the key considerations relevant when conducting BCA for Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), infrastructure DER solutions (e.g. Non-Wires Solutions (NWSs)), microgrids, and multiple DERs on-site. Ten key considerations, such as the importance of DER use cases and subsequent need to balance competing priorities, are addressed in regards to utility initiatives which span one or more of these scenarios (such as a VPP that is part of a NWS). This session seeks to provide an overview of the material covered in the chapter with a particular focus on the key considerations most relevant to utility initiatives seeking to manage peak load.

Speakers:
David Pudleiner, ICF
Julie Michals, NASEO