WA HB1871

Creates a battery incentive program for residential customers to install grid-connected battery energy storage systems, with incentives of up to $765/kWh for low/moderate-income households and up to $450/kWh for other customers, capped at 18 kWh per customer

Requires utilities with over 100,000 retail electric customers to implement a battery incentive program; participation is optional for smaller utilities

At least 40% of program benefits must go to low-income households, moderate-income households, low-income service providers, housing authorities, or tribal governments

Provides tax credits to participating light and power businesses equal to incentive payments made plus up to 20% for program expenses including advanced metering infrastructure and virtual power plant subscription fees

Program runs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2036, with total statewide incentive certifications capped at $60 million ($10 million per biennium); Washington State University extension energy program administers certification and audits programs every two years