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Get NSPM Certified™: Conducting Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) for Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) using the National Standard Practice Manual™ (NSPM) -Waltham
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Awards 1.3 CEUs (Click for more info)
AESP is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). AESP complies with the ANSI/IACET Standard, which is recognized internationally as a standard of excellence in instructional practices. As a result of this accreditation, AESP is authorized to issue the IACET CEU. AESP instructors disclose in advance that they have no interest in any product, service, or material discussed during the course. This information is stated orally and in the training course handbook.
Join us in Waltham, Massachusetts—just outside of Boston—for this in-person course dives into the full range of benefit-cost analysis (BCA)—also known as cost-effectiveness testing—for distributed energy resource (DER) investments. You’ll explore practical applications across both single and multiple DERs, including energy efficiency, demand response, distributed storage, solar, and building and transportation electrification. Along the way, you’ll work with the National Standard Practice Manual™ (NSPM™) and supporting resources from the National Energy Screening Project (NESP).
You’ll leave this session able to:
- Build a strong foundation in BCA core principles.
- Understand how BCA fits within regulatory decision-making.
- Apply BCA frameworks to real-world DER use cases.
- Practice applying BCA through hands-on group exercises.
Training Topics
The course blends presentations with hands-on group exercises and examples. Topics include:
- Overview of BCA: principles and framework, consistent application across DERs, cost-effectiveness perspectives, how BCA compares with rate impacts and equity analyses, and applicability across regulatory contexts.
- BCA impacts and value streams for DERs: cost and benefit impacts across DER types and use cases, including reliability, resilience, and risk.
- Developing a primary BCA test: the NSPM™ 5-step process, aligning BCA with policy goals, and when to use secondary tests.
- Key inputs and parameters: selecting a discount rate, assessment level options, treatment of transfer payments, and addressing geographic boundaries.
- Quantifying system impacts: steps to measure both utility and non-utility impacts.
- Presenting and interpreting results: how to effectively share and make sense of findings.
- Hands-on group exercises: BCA practice for an example DER use case throughout the two-day training.
Participants who pass the post-training exam with a score of 80% or higher will earn the NSPM Certified™ credential, a designation that helps practitioners stand out as more jurisdictions reference and use the NSPM to guide DER evaluations. This course is designed for utilities, consultants, regulators, consumer advocates, and others involved in planning, assessing, or evaluating DER investments.
Travel Information
If you’re traveling to Waltham, here are some nearby hotels to consider:
- Extended Stay America -Boston-Waltham
- Courtyard by Marriot Boston- Waltham
- Best Western Plus Waltham Boston
*We want everyone to feel welcome and supported. If you need any ADA accommodations, just let us know — we’re happy to help. Email us at [email protected].
Thank You To Our Sponsors
Instructors
Chris Neme
Principal, Energy Futures Group
A principal at Energy Futures Group, Neme has more than 30 years of experience helping clients in 35 states, seven Canadian provinces and several European countries with energy efficiency, demand response, strategic electrification and other distributed energy resource programs and policies. His work includes reviewing state and utility decarbonization plans, supporting Clean Heat Standards in multiple states, developing recommendations for non-wires and non-pipe alternatives, and co-authoring the National Standard Practice Manual for Benefit-Cost Analysis of Distributed Energy Resources. He has filed expert witness testimony in more than 75 cases before 13 state and provincial public utility commissions.
Courtney Lane
Principal Associate, Synapse Energy Economics
Courtney Lane has more than twenty years of experience in energy policy and utility regulation. She specializes in performance-based regulation, grid modernization, benefit-cost analysis, rate and bill impacts, and review of utility distributed energy resource and electric vehicle utility filings.
Ms. Lane has worked extensively both in the public and private sector through her time spent on state-level clean energy advocacy for environmental non-profit PennFuture, and on demand side management planning and implementation for National Grid. In this capacity, Ms. Lane has led stakeholder engagement, provided testimony, served as an expert witness, and drafted legislation on matters pertaining to energy efficiency and renewable energy. Her experience in both the private and public sectors gives her a unique perspective on tackling energy issues and analyzing policies which lie at the intersection of both business and public interests.
Ms. Lane was one of the authors of the National Standard Practice Manual for Benefit-Cost Analysis of Distributed Energy Resources and its companion guide, Methods, Tools and Resources: A Handbook for Quantifying Distributed Energy Resource Impacts for Benefit-Cost Analysis.
Ms. Lane holds a Master of Arts in Environmental Policy and Planning from Tufts University and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Geography from Colgate University.