  In this paper, we address the issue of valuating Distributed Energy Resources
(DERs) as Non-Wires Alternatives (NWAs) against wires investments in the
traditional distribution network planning process. Motivated by the recent
literature on Distribution Locational Marginal Prices, we propose a framework
that allows the planner to identify rigorously the short-term Locational
Marginal Value (LMV) of DERs using the notion of Marginal Cost of Capacity
(MCC) of the best grid investment alternative to monetize hourly network
constraint violations encountered during a yearly rate base timescale. We apply
our methodology on two actual distribution feeders anticipated to experience
overloads in the absence of additional DERs, and present numerical results on
desirable LMV-based generic DER adoption targets and associated costs that can
offset or delay different types of grid wires investments. We close with a
discussion on policy and actual DER adoption implementation.
