The governor of Rhode Island signs a bill creating new incentives for energy storage

Source: Briggs & Stratton

On June 26, Governor Daniel McKee signed the Energy Storage Systems Act of 2024 into law, a landmark in Rhode Island’s journey toward a 100% clean energy future. Led by State Senator Dawn Euer and State Representative Arthur Handy, the bill strengthens Rhode Island’s energy system.

“Energy storage is flexible, reliable, affordable and a game-changer for Rhode Island’s energy grid,” said Kat Burnham, Rhode Island state manager for the national business association Advanced Energy United. “Investing in energy storage technologies will drive economic growth and job creation in the clean energy sector.”

In Rhode Island and throughout New England, the energy system is undergoing a clean energy transition. Flexible resources such as storage will be essential to deploying more renewable energy and meeting future reliability needs. Energy storage is a mature technology that can reduce the load on the electric grid and create savings opportunities for ratepayers.

Key features of the Energy Storage Systems Act:

• Storage goals: Rhode Island sets a goal of storing 90 megawatts of energy by 2026, 195 megawatts by 2028 and 600 megawatts by 2033.
• Infrastructure Programs: The Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank will develop programs to facilitate the deployment of energy storage across all sectors.
• Storage System Procurement: Allows the Rhode Island Public Utility Commission to require utility companies to purchase cost-effective storage systems.

By signing the Energy Storage Systems Act (Senate Bill 2499 and House Bill 7811), policymakers are fulfilling their commitments to grow Rhode Island’s clean economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Message from Advanced Energy United