CT SB00090

Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection may issue requests for proposals for energy storage projects connected at transmission or distribution level, including stand-alone projects and those paired with Class I renewable energy sources or hydropower up to 100 megawatts capacity.

Commissioner must publish and make available for public comment a cost-effectiveness test before proceeding with energy storage procurement, and may only proceed if the commissioner determines procurement is cost effective.

When selecting proposals, commissioner must consider ratepayer interests, delivered price, electric distribution system reliability including winter peak demand, economic development impacts, greenhouse gas emission reduction consistency, and alignment with the Comprehensive Energy Strategy and Integrated Resources Plan.

Commissioner may direct electric distribution companies to enter into agreements for periods of up to 20 years on behalf of all state electric customers; agreements are subject to Public Utilities Regulatory Authority approval within 120 days, and costs are recovered through fully reconciling rate components.

Department of Energy and Environmental Protection must submit a report by January 15, 2023, to the energy committee regarding environmental impacts of acquiring battery-storage component materials and disposal of the technology after its useful life.