Value of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs): Dunsky to Support the New Hampshire Department of Energy

Dunsky is pleased to have been retained to complete a study of the value of net metered, distributed energy resources (DERs) for the New Hampshire Department of Energy (DOE).  This study will be used to inform future Net-Energy-Metering (NEM) tariff development in the state.

Value of DER studies (similar to many Value of Solar studies) are used to better understand the services that resources such as behind-the-meter solar PV and other renewable energy technologies provide to the grid, ratepayers, and society – such as avoided energy and capacity costs and various grid services.  Clarity regarding costs and benefits is critical to establishing appropriate tariffs for DERs, based on their unique geographic, temporal, and operational services.

“This study will be a critical resource for informing the appropriate level of compensation for DERs as they play a growing role in decarbonizing local and regional grids,” said Philippe Dunsky, President of Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors. “We are excited to work with the New Hampshire DOE to develop benchmarks that will help inform the market moving forward.”

Dunsky, in partnership with Power Advisory, is applying a balanced approach to DER valuation that is grounded in rigorous analysis to reinforce confidence in regulatory and pricing structures from both the utilities’ and ratepayers’ perspectives. To accomplish this, we are leveraging our previous VDER and Energy Efficiency Potential studies, including those conducted in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, as well as our work in a number of jurisdictions to develop detailed benefits assessments for key DERs, including behind-the-meter solar, storage, and demand response measures.

Dunsky will assess the long-run avoided cost impacts at the utility system level, and will generally maintain consistency with energy efficiency cost-effectiveness evaluation frameworks, including the use of standard energy efficiency benefit/cost analysis criteria where applicable.

The final VDER study report is expected to be completed by February 2022.

About Dunsky

Founded in 2004, Dunsky supports leading governments, utilities and others across North America in their efforts to accelerate the clean energy transition, effectively and responsibly. Working across the buildings, renewable energy and clean mobility sectors, we support our clients through three key services: we assess opportunities (technical, economic, market); design strategies (programs, plans, policies); and evaluate performance (with a view to continuous improvement).