PUC Publishes Final Policy Statement On Use Of Electric Storage To Enhance Grid Reliability, Resilience And Reduce Energy Costs

The Public Utility Commission published notice in the June 1 PA Bulletin making available the final policy statement establishing guidelines for the use of electricity storage by electric distribution companies (EDC).

The PUC voted to adopt the final policy statement in April to create a path for future use of various “non-wires solutions” that enhance the reliability and resilience of the electric distribution grid in Pennsylvania and help provide better service to customers.

The policy statement notes that electricity-storage technology, namely batteries, can be used by EDCs instead of or in addition to more traditional “wired” solutions, to maintain or to increase the reliability or the resilience of the electric distribution system, along with potential benefits.

The policy statement encourages the consideration of such assets when reasonable and prudent and encourages EDCs to consider electricity-storage assets as part of system planning.

Documents related to this policy can be found at PUC Docket No.: M-2020-3022877.

Visit DEP’s Energy Storage in Pennsylvania webpage to learn more about how storage facilities increase grid reliability and reduce energy costs.

(Photo: Pittsburgh-based EOS energy storage facility paired with solar energy.)

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[Posted: May 31, 2024]  PA Environment Digest