Custom Project Protocols

Custom Project Protocols

General requirements

1. Custom projects must not result in fuel switching.
2. Custom projects are limited to one sector per project.
3. The measures must be designed to result in improvements in the energy efficiency of electricity distribution or use and must have a savings life of at least one year.
4. UES measures and calculated projects may be included in custom projects on their own or in a project with other measures/projects unless specifically excluded in the measures information section of the IM. However, they must either (1) be included in the custom project Measurement and Verification (M&V) and not use the UES/calculated savings value or (2) be reported separately through the UES/calculated path and the savings must not be included in the custom project savings.
5. Option 1 Custom Projects must meet the following benefit/cost (B/C) ratio requirements:
• If the project savings are 200,000 kWh or less (800,000 kWh or less for Utility Distribution measures), no cost-effectiveness screen is applied.
• If the project savings are more than 200,000 kWh (exceeding 800,000 kWh for Utility Distribution measures), and the project has a BPA-approved proposal, the proposal must demonstrate that the project has a B/C ratio ≥ 0.5 based on proposed costs and savings. No additional screen will be applied at the completion report.
• If the project savings are more than 200,000 kWh (exceeding 800,000 kWh for Utility Distribution measures), and the project does not have a BPA-approved proposal, the completion report must demonstrate that the project has a B/C ratio ≥ 0.5.
6. Option 2 Custom Projects must meet the following B/C ratio requirements:
• If the project savings are 200,000 kWh or less (800,000 kWh or less for Utility Distribution measures), no cost-effectiveness screen is applied.
• If the project savings are more than 200,000 kWh (exceeding 800,000 kWh for Utility Distribution measures), the project must demonstrate a B/C ratio ≥ 0.5.
7. Option 1 and 2 Custom Projects must include incremental or total cost documentation as applicable. If incremental cost data is not available for commercial building new-construction projects, incremental cost may be calculated as 2.86% of the whole building construction costs.
8. Any nonresidential lighting project (See BPA IM Section 8.3 Nonresidential Lighting) may be submitted as a custom project. Nonresidential lighting projects submitted by Option 1 customers as custom projects must use an M&V plan per the BPA M&V Protocol Selection Guide and are not eligible to use a BPA engineering calculation with verification plan. Nonresidential lighting projects submitted by Option 2 customers must follow Option 2 Custom Project requirements.
9. The BPA M&V Protocol Selection Guide for custom projects must be used to select an appropriate M&V plan and be documented in the customer file. The implemented plan will be either (1) engineering calculations with a verification plan or (2) a comprehensive M&V plan.
• Engineering calculations with a verification plan

Detailed guidance on preparing engineering calculations with a verification plan is included in the BPA Engineering Calculations with Verification Protocol.  As directed in the BPA M&V Protocol Selection Guide, engineering calculations with a verification plan may be used for projects with an expected annual energy savings of less than 400,000 kWh per year.

• Comprehensive M&V Plan

Detailed guidance on preparing a comprehensive M&V plan is in the BPA M&V Protocols and Guidelines.  In developing a custom project M&V plan, the customer has the option to use a custom M&V plan or a Simplified Protocol.

Project documentation including, at a minimum: basic project and measure information; baseline conditions; efficient measure conditions; M&V plan implemented; all pre/post nameplate and/or measurement data, assumptions, energy models or calculations, verified savings and documentation showing how the projected non-energy impacts and operations and maintenance costs were calculated (if applicable); verified costs, including invoices; and delivery inspection report/date Development of a custom project proposal will require sufficient estimation of custom project costs and follow guidance set forth in the BPA Custom Project Cost Documentation Guide, and require reliable estimation of energy savings and development of an M&V Plan following guidance set forth in the BPA M&V Protocols Selection Guide.

Development of a custom project completion report will require sufficient documentation of custom project costs and follow guidance set forth in the BPA Custom Project Cost Documentation Guide, and require verified energy savings following an M&V Plan following guidance set forth in the BPA M&V Protocols Selection Guide.

The Custom Project Cost Documentation Guide defines allowable costs under different project types, details the supporting cost documentation required, and provides example scenarios to provide guidance for BPA Staff, Customer Service Engineers, utility staff, third-party program support staff, and others who develop, review and approve custom projects. 

November 30, 2023: BPA Custom Project Cost Documentation Guide webinar presentation

November 30, 2023: BPA Custom Project Cost Documentation Guide webinar video