Two state agencies have opened an investigation into the definition of energy storage systems. The limited purpose of this new proceeding, launched by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority and the Bureau of Energy and Technology Policy, is to provide an open, public and transparent forum for the agencies to solicit and receive information and comments from interested parties regarding the term “energy storage systems” as defined in Connecticut statutes §16-1(a)(48):

“Energy storage system” means any commercially available technology that is capable of absorbing energy, storing it for a period of time and thereafter dispatching the energy, and that is capable of either:  (A) Using mechanical, chemical or thermal processes to store electricity that is generated at one time for use at a later time; (B) storing thermal energy for direct use for heating or cooling at a later time in a manner that avoids the need to use electricity at a later time; (C) using mechanical, chemical or thermal processes to store electricity generated from renewable energy sources for use at a later time; or (D) using mechanical, chemical or thermal processes to capture or harness waste electricity and to store such electricity generated from mechanical processes for delivery at a later time.