Massachusetts legislature approves Clean Peak Standard

The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) approved a plan to reduce costs and environmental when electricity demand is the highest.

Typically, when there is peak demand, not only do electricity costs go up, but the environmental impact is greater. The state’s new Clean Peak Standard (CPS) offsets this by driving the use of energy storage resources to deliver clean energy exactly where and when it’s needed.

The US Energy Storage Association commends the legislature for the passage of the bill.

“The CPS is an important step towards making the grid more resilient, efficient, sustainable, and affordable. Not only is the program expected to reduce emissions by 560,000 metric tons CO2 over the next decade, but also it is expected to reduce infrastructure costs for ratepayers by $710 million,” ESA officials said.

It is the first Clean Peak Standard in the nation.

The Energy Storage Association also commends the Massachusetts DOER for including measures to accelerate the CPS over time in the event that compliance is achieved faster and more cost effectively than anticipated.

“Along with opportunities for long-term contracting, the finalized regulations announced by DOER are an encouraging basis for energy storage companies to invest further in Massachusetts. ESA looks forward to working with Massachusetts officials and stakeholders to ensure its success and to provide a replicable model for other states,” ESA officials stated.