Connecticut launches 9-year energy storage incentive program

SunCommon

Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has launched Energy Storage Solutions, a statewide electric storage program for all Eversource and United Illuminating (UI) residential, commercial, and industrial customers in an effort to foster a more reliable and resilient electric distribution system, especially for vulnerable communities.

Energy Storage Solutions will be administered by the Connecticut Green Bank, along with Eversource and UI. The nine-year program officially launched on January 1, 2022, and will continue through at least December 31, 2030.

Average upfront incentives for residential customers will initially be around $200 per kWh, with a maximum per project incentive of $7,500. Commercial and industrial customers will also be eligible for upfront incentives, with a maximum incentive of 50% of the project cost. Residential, commercial and industrial customers will all be eligible for performance incentive payments based on the average power an electric storage project contributes to the grid during critical periods.

Additional incentives will be available for those who would most benefit from increased resilience measures, such as low-income customers, customers in underserved communities, small businesses and customers who historically experience the most frequent and longest duration storm-related outages.

“We are combatting the climate crisis and building our economy by making investments that promote environmental justice, healthier communities, affordable energy and expanded jobs and opportunity. Adding a statewide electric storage program to our toolkit will play a vital role in these efforts and I thank the entire PURA team and our legislative partners for their leadership on this initiative,” said Governor Ned Lamont.

Development of the Energy Storage Solutions was informed by objectives outlined in Public Act (PA) 21-53, which establishes a statewide goal of deploying 1,000 MW of energy storage by the end of 2030. Gov. Ned Lamont signed the unanimously bipartisan-supported legislation into law in June, making Connecticut the eighth U.S. state to issue an energy storage deployment target.

“Public Act 21-53 put Connecticut on the map as a potential leader in realizing the benefits of energy storage. The launch of Energy Storage Solutions builds on that vision by establishing a statewide comprehensive program that not only incorporates different applications and types of electric storage, but ensures the state is on a path to achieving 1,000 MW by 2030,” said PURA Chairman Marissa P. Gillett. “The Green Bank, working in collaboration with the utilities, will help ensure that our families and businesses, especially those within vulnerable communities, access the important benefits that electric storage provides in terms of resilience and modernizing the grid.”

The Green Bank, Eversource Energy, and United Illuminating are partnering to bring customers Energy Storage Solutions overseen by PURA and paid for by electric ratepayers. Customers interested in learning more should visit www.energystoragect.com.

News item from Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA)

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Original Source: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2022/01/connecticut-launches-9-year-energy-storage-incentive-program/