Sunrun supports DRIVE Act for customer compensation from residential battery use

The Education, Energy, and Environment (EEE) Committee of the Maryland General Assembly convened on April 3, 2025, to discuss significant developments in energy management and residential solar initiatives. The meeting featured testimony from Thad Culley, a representative from Sunrun, the largest provider of solar and storage solutions for residential customers in the United States.

Culley highlighted the innovative pilot program conducted last summer in collaboration with Baltimore Gas and Electric and Ford Motor Company. This initiative involved the use of Ford F-150 Lightning electric vehicles, which were utilized to support home energy needs during peak demand periods. Participants in the program were compensated for allowing their vehicle batteries to be used in this capacity, with one individual reportedly earning $1,700 over three months.

The discussion centered around the potential of the DRIVE Act, which aims to create opportunities for homeowners to monetize their energy storage systems. Culley emphasized that many customers currently use backup batteries for reliability but could also generate income by participating in energy management programs. He urged the committee to ensure that regulations do not become overly complex, which could hinder the growth of such initiatives.

Culley clarified that companies like Sunrun do not act as electric suppliers but rather facilitate services that enhance the value of residential energy assets. He expressed support for amendments from the House version of the legislation that would exempt aggregators of distributed energy resources (DERs) from being classified as electric suppliers, thereby simplifying the regulatory landscape for these emerging energy solutions.

The meeting underscored the importance of fostering innovation in energy management while balancing regulatory frameworks to support new technologies and consumer participation in energy markets. The committee's discussions will likely influence future legislative actions aimed at promoting sustainable energy practices in Maryland.