Arizona Corporation Commission passes Márquez Peterson pilot residential battery storage program

With the passage of a pilot program proposed by Commissioner Lea Márquez Peterson last month, the Arizona Corporation Commission will allow the Arizona Public Service Company to provide up to $2,500 to purchase and install residential energy storage devices.

These at-home batteries can take electricity either from the grid or rooftop solar and parse it out later. Márquez Peterson’s proposal also increased the household’s incentive from $300 per KW to $500 per KW.

“Residential energy storage is the future and the solution to providing reliable, affordable energy to families throughout the evening hours when solar is not available. Technology is still developing in energy storage, and increased adoption will drive the price lower for families over time,” Márquez Peterson said.

While solar has proven a viable and indeed major power option for Arizona, the trick is to find ways to make it continually viable during evening hours, after the sun has set. Battery additions provide that option, which Márquez Peterson said will aid the transition to a cleaner energy future.

“By approving APS’s residential energy storage pilot program, we are providing customers an affordable energy opportunity as many work and learn from home,” Márquez Peterson said. “This pilot program will allow the utility company to study the grid impact and incorporate best practices for these systems in our unique Arizona climate.”