Energy Storage, Regulation, Utilities, Sourcing Renewables  -  January 4, 2017

Massachusetts moves to create energy storage targets

Massachusetts is moving forward with plans to establish targets for the use of energy storage in the state after the state Department of Energy Resources deemed such targets as prudent. 

The decision rested on the department, known as DOER, pursuant to comprehensive energy legislation signed into law by Gov. Charlie Baker in August 2016. The law, "An Act Relative to Energy Diversity," had instructed DOER to determine whether it made sense to establish energy storage targets for electric companies to achieve by 2020. 

In a Dec. 27 letter to state legislators,  DOER Commissioner Judith Judson wrote: "After careful review and consideration of the comments received, DOER has determined that it is prudent for the commonwealth to set targets for energy storage systems." The department said in the letter that it will next adopt specific energy storage targets by July 1; it is asking for public feedback, considering the appropriate target scale, structure and mechanisms for the energy storage systems, through Jan. 27. 

The department in 2016 had issued a more than 200-page report outlining its policy recommendations to generate 600 MW of advanced energy storage in the state by 2025. At the time, DOER said achieving that goal would capture $800 million in system benefits to Massachusetts
ratepayers.

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