Connecticut PURA launches electric storage program

The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) launched an electric storage program to foster a more reliable and resilient electric distribution system.

Energy Storage Solutions is a statewide program for all Eversource and United Illuminating (UI) residential, commercial, and industrial customers. It will be administered by the Connecticut Green Bank, along with Eversource and UI.

This nine-year program, which officially launched on Jan. 1, will continue through at least Dec. 31, 2030.

The average upfront incentive will be around $200 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for residential customers, with a maximum per project incentive of $7,500. Commercial and industrial customers will also be eligible for upfront incentives, with a maximum incentive of 50 percent of the project cost. Performance incentive payments based on the average power an electric storage project contributes to the grid during critical periods will also be available.

Further, additional incentives will be available for certain customers, including those who are low-income customers or are in underserved communities. Also, small businesses and customers historically experience the most frequent and longest duration storm-related outages.

“We are combatting the climate crisis and building our economy by making investments that promote environmental justice, healthier communities, affordable energy, and expanded jobs and opportunity. Adding a statewide electric storage program to our toolkit will play a vital role in these efforts, and I thank the entire PURA team and our legislative partners for their leadership on this initiative,” Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said.

The program was informed by objectives established by Public Act 21-53, which outlines a statewide goal of deploying 1,000 megawatts (MW) of energy storage by 2030.

“Public Act 21-53 put Connecticut on the map as a potential leader in realizing the benefits of energy storage. The launch of Energy Storage Solutions builds on that vision by establishing a statewide comprehensive program that not only incorporates different applications and types of electric storage but ensures the state is on a path to achieving 1,000 MW by 2030,” PURA Chairman Marissa Gillett said. “The Green Bank, working in collaboration with the utilities, will help ensure that our families and businesses, especially those within vulnerable communities, access the important benefits that electric storage provides in terms of resilience and modernizing the grid.”