What are the different types of energy storage policy?

Approximately 16 states have adopted some form of energy storage policy, which broadly fall into the following categories: procurement targets, regulatory adaption, demonstration programs, financial incentives, and consumer protections. Below we give an overview of each of these energy storage policy categories.

What is a storage policy?

All of the states with a storage policy in place have a renewable portfolio standard or a nonbinding renewable energy goal. Regulatory changes can broaden competitive access to storage such as by updating resource planning requirements or permitting storage through rate proceedings.

Does the energy storage strategic plan address new policy actions?

This SRM does not address new policy actions, nor does it specify budgets and resources for future activities. This Energy Storage SRM responds to the Energy Storage Strategic Plan periodic update requirement of the Better Energy Storage Technology (BEST) section of the Energy Policy Act of 2020 (42 U.S.C. § 17232 (b) (5)).

What is the Maryland energy storage program?

The new law requires the Maryland Public Service Commission to establish the Maryland Energy Storage Program by July 1, 2025 and provides for incentives for the development of energy storage. Procurement targets are beneficial in that they provide supportive signals for investors and reduce regulatory uncertainty.

What is Virginia's energy storage goal?

Virginia’s target was enacted by law in 2020, which set a 3,100 MW energy storage goal by 2035. A law enacted in 2021 directed the Illinois Commerce Commission to establish storage procurement targets for all utilities serving more than 200,000 customers to achieve by 2032.

Why is Doe investing in energy storage?

The underlying motivation for DOE’s strategic investment in energy storage is to ensure that the American people will have access to energy storage innovations that enable resilient, flexible, affordable, and secure energy systems and supply, for everyone, everywhere.