Connecticut Launches Energy Storage Program to Support Resilience, Benefit Ratepayers

Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority on Jan. 18 inaugurated Energy Storage Solutions, an electric storage program for all categories of customers of Eversource and United Illuminating to adopt a consistent and robust electric distribution system. The Energy Storage Solutions enables customers to install energy storage set up as backup at their premises. The program will be managed by the Connecticut Green Bank, Eversource, and United Illuminating. The program, officially launched on Jan. 1, 2022, and will be operational until the end of 2030.

In the residential sector, upfront incentives will be on average $200 per kilowatt-hour with a maximum of $7,500 per project. A maximum incentive of 50 percent will also be available for commercial and industrial customers. In addition, customers will receive performance incentives based on the total power that an electric storage project supplies to the grid during critical periods. Customers who have earlier experienced recurring and lengthier storm-related outages, such as underprivileged communities, will get additional incentives.

Connecticut enacted legislation in June 2021 establishing a goal of deploying 1,000 megawatts of energy storage by Dec. 31, 2030. Connecticut is the eighth state to establish a storage deployment target, which will increase reliability and aid in the state’s pursuit of a zero-carbon electric sector by 2040. The program will support grid modernization and resilience and is expected to combat the climate change issue while simultaneously advancing the economy by encouraging investments that support environmental justice and expand job opportunities.

The program will further help to achieve the long-term goal of advancing grid reliability and reducing greenhouse gases. The statewide installation of energy storage is considered one step closer to the renewable energy future.