U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Federal Energy Management Program

Distributed Energy Resources and Combined Heat and Power Project Implementation

Planning and implementing a distributed energy resources (DER) or combined heat and power (CHP) project is different from other energy efficiency projects. To assist Federal agencies, FEMP created a step-by-step approach to help implement DER and CHP projects at Federal facilities.

The following eight steps should be followed when considering a DER or CHP project:

1. Analyze your facilities' energy needs
2. Select appropriate DER/CHP technologies
3. Screen the technologies
4. Acquire resources and assistance
5. Develop a project plan
6. Address potential barriers
7. Install and operate the DER/CHP system
8. Get your project recognized with a FEMP award

For the complete guide, visit Using Distributed Energy Resources: A How-To Guide for Federal Facility Managers (PDF 422 KB). Download Adobe Reader.

In addition, FEMP provides additional resources to help Federal agencies install DER and CHP systems, including:

• FEMP Assistance: Project assistance for Federal agencies considering DER or CHP systems.

• Environmental Siting Guide: Additional information on environmental attributes and permitting requirements of DER systems.

• Interconnection and Permitting Guide: Resource designed to further assist in understanding the interconnection and permitting process for DER systems.

Additional information can be found on the resources page.