Benefit Cost Analysis Models

The open-source benefit cost analysis tool (OpenBCA Tool) is a new NESP™ initiative aimed at addressing the challenges of evaluating the cost-effectiveness of distributed energy resources (DERs) through a standardized, transparent, and flexible platform. This project, launched in January 2025, is funded by U.S. Department of Energy and E4TheFuture, with support from ICF, Recurve, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The OpenBCA Tool is under development. It will likely be available for use in Q1 2026, providing jurisdictions with a robust, easy-to-use platform for conducting comprehensive BCAs of DER programs. 

NESP commissioned a short report to review a sample of existing BCA models to see how the models align with the NSPM framework. Apex Analytics conducted a high-level assessment of existing energy efficiency BCA models to review their compatibility with the NSPM framework and to identify recommendations for improvements. See the June 2019 report at: National Standard Practice Manual Benefit-Cost Analysis Model Assessment