Legislation enacted in 2017 (SB 145) required the PUCN to establish a framework within the Solar Energy System Program to provide up to $5 million in incentives annually to utility customers who install energy storage systems (paired with PV). The PUCN has now set a public workshop for April 16 to solicit comments from interested parties on the proposed regulations and will hold a hearing on April 18.
A set of draft revised regulations provided by the Legislative Counsel Bureau would require energy storage systems to provide one or more of the following three benefits:
- Reduce the participant’s peak demand for electricity.
- Provide backup or emergency power to the grid.
- Any other benefits that support critical infrastructure needs.
SB 145 required the PUCN to authorize up to $1 million annually through 2023 for the installation of solar plus storage systems that benefit low-income customers.