FL S0686

Creates energy security and disaster resilience pilot program within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to encourage distributed energy generation and storage technologies at critical facilities during natural disasters or declared states of emergency.

Establishes grants covering 30 percent of direct capital and labor costs for purchasing and installing onsite solar energy storage systems at critical disaster resilience facilities including emergency operations centers, hospitals, airports, ports, water systems, and first responder facilities.

Requires onsite solar energy storage systems to be capable of operating independently from the electric grid with sufficient battery capacity to provide at least 24 hours of backup power or 5 hours of average daily electricity usage.

Directs the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to conduct or contract for a study on renewable energy effectiveness by December 31, 2023, including policy recommendations and assessment based on public health, disaster preparedness, capital investment, job creation, and utility impacts.

Appropriates $10 million in nonrecurring funds for fiscal year 2022-2023, with up to $100,000 for program administration and $150,000 for the study; pilot program expires January 1, 2025.