Avoided Energy Supply Cost Study (AESC Study)

This Request for Proposals seeks consulting firms to provide projections of avoided energy supply costs to support program planning and regulatory filings for energy efficiency and demand-side management programs administered across six states. The study is being issued on behalf of Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire electric and natural gas utilities and their Program Administrators.

The AESC Study is conducted on a three-year cycle to update and enhance results from prior iterations while maintaining continuity with previous studies to ensure consistent application to energy efficiency programs. The study will refine methodologies from previous versions and explore new benefits where markets or programs have evolved to require additional research.

The study will culminate in a comprehensive set of forecast tables by state for each avoided energy supply cost component, accompanied by a detailed report outlining associated methodologies. The forecasts will address seven key market areas: Natural Gas Markets, Fuel Oil and Other Fuel Markets, Electric Capacity/Energy/Clean Electricity Policy Markets, Electric Transmission and Distribution, Electric Reliability and Resilience, Demand Reduction Induced Price Effects (DRIPE), and Valuation of Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions.

The Study Group, comprised of project sponsors, state agencies, non-utility parties, and their consultants, is responsible for selecting the Contractor, reviewing study methodologies and draft work products, monitoring study progress, and ensuring results satisfy study goals. Key timeline milestones include RFP issuance on January 16, 2026, deadline for questions on January 29, 2026, and final proposal submission deadline of February 6, 2026. All questions must be submitted through the ARIBA Sourcing tool Message function.