Specifications include, but are not limited to: A. Task 1 – Distributed Generation cost-effectiveness test development The purpose of this task is to develop a jurisdiction-specific cost-effectiveness test to be applied in Maine to determine the program-level cost-effectiveness of distributed generation and energy storage deployment. 1. The cost-effectiveness test should be developed based on established best practices (e.g. the National Standard Practice Manual for Benefit-Cost Analysis of Distributed Energy Resources). a. The contractor will be responsible for developing proposed elements of the cost-effectiveness test, including applicable definitions, methodology, and data collection methods. 2. The cost-effectiveness test should be developed with consideration given to existing relevant comparable tests accepted in Maine and other jurisdictions where applicable. a. The contractor will be responsible for summarizing and citing such relevant comparable tests. 3. The cost-effectiveness test should be designed in such a manner as to produce an optimal volume (e.g. MW or MWh) of distributed generation, including distributed generation paired with energy storage, assumed to be achieved through the implementation of one or more distributed generation programs. 4. The cost-effectiveness test should consider applicable state policy objectives including the state’s emissions reduction requirements, renewable portfolio standard, and the role of distributed generation in supporting their achievement. 5. In developing the cost-effectiveness test, the awarded Bidder should provide an estimate of the revenue requirement needed for distributed generation projects of various sizes and configurations, such as rooftop vs. ground-mounted and brownfield vs. greenfield. 6. The cost-effectiveness test will be developed in an iterative process in consultation with the GEO and the DG Stakeholder Group and will be subject to public review and comment in draft form prior to final submission to the GEO and DG Stakeholder Group. a. The contractor will be responsible for proposing a process to achieve this requirement that is comprehensive and equitable. 7. The deliverables for this task should be: a. A report summarizing the cost-effectiveness test, specifying: a. All applicable inputs including how they should be derived, b. How the test is designed to be administered, and c. The process through which it was developed. b. A spreadsheet or comparable calculation tool designed to transparently implement the test, including any necessary data or inputs. c. A slide deck summarizing the content of the report. d. The report will be published in draft form for public comment. a. The final version should incorporate a summary of comments received and any changes incorporated as a result.
