The rapid growth and deployment of DERs is creating dynamic and complex challenges for regulators, utilities, and policymakers as they assess the benefits and costs of DER systems and incentive programs. The Database of Screening Practices, now a project of ACEEE, documents BCA practice for energy efficiency, including where, what and how states account for non-utility system impacts. However, there is little tracking of state practices on the accounting of these impacts for other DER types.

A February 2025 report by AnnDyl Policy Group, State Benefit-Cost Analysis Practices: Accounting for Non-Utility System Impacts of Select Distributed Energy Resources, prepared for NESP explores how a sample of states are addressing non-utility system impacts, both societal and host customer categories, in BCAs for select DERs. While some states have established formal methods, practices vary significantly, and many states have limited data on these impacts.