National Standard Practice ManualTM (NSPM)

The National Standard Practice ManualTM for Benefit-Cost Analysis of Distributed Energy Resources provides a comprehensive framework for cost-effectiveness assessment of DERs. The manual offers a set of policy-neutral, non-biased, and economically-sound principles, concepts, and methodologies to support single- and multi-DER benefit-cost analysis (BCA) for: energy efficiency (EE), demand response (DR), distributed generation (DG), distributed storage (DS), and (building and vehicle) electrification. It is intended for use by jurisdictions to help inform which resources to acquire to meet their specific policy goals and objectives.

Download the NSPM

The NSPM is a product of the National Energy Screening Project (NESPTM), guided by an Advisory Group and coordinated by E4TheFuture. The NSPM was authored by:

  • Tim Woolf, Synapse Energy Economics (Lead Author)
  • Chris Neme, Energy Futures Group
  • Mike Alter, ICF
  • Steve Fine, ICF
  • Karl R. Rábago, Rábago Energy
  • Steve Schiller, Schiller Consulting
  • Kate Strickland, Smart Electric Power Alliance
  • Brenda Chew, Smart Electric Power Alliance

NOTE: The 2020 National Standard Practice ManualTM for Benefit-Cost Analysis of Distributed Energy Resources incorporates and expands upon the 2017 National Standard Practice Manual for Assessing Cost-Effectiveness of Energy Efficiency Resources (NSPM for EE). The NSPM for EE co-authors were Tim Woolf, Synapse Energy Economics, Chris Neme, Energy Futures Group Marty Kushler, American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, Steve Schiller, Schiller Consulting and Tom Eckman, Consultant (formerly with Northwest Power & Conservation Council). The NSPM for EE included co-authors Marty Kushler (ACEEE) and Tom Eckman (Independent Consultant).

In some cases, E4TheFuture, in coordination with other funding sources, helps to provide technical support to states that implement or apply the manual.

Questions? Contact NSPM@nationalenergyscreeningproject.org.