Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Energy Storage topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Budget committee releases bill to streamline transmission-scale energy storage procurement
Summary
The Budget and Appropriations committee favorably released S-38-19 to adjust procurement rules for transmission-scale energy storage under a BPU incentive program; members said the measure trims administrative timelines and may speed projects, and the committee noted existing annual funding for the program.
The Budget and Appropriations committee on March 19 voted to release Senate Bill 38-19, which adjusts procurement requirements for transmission‑scale energy storage under a Board of Public Utilities (BPU) incentive program.
The Chair opened the bill by saying the measure “cuts out some of the red tape, the timelines, and improves upon timelines, maturity dates, and so on to move these a little bit faster,” and listed organizations that support and oppose the bill. The Chair also said the program is backed by about $60,000,000 a year in funding.
A committee member questioned whether funds are available if uptake increases and noted the governor’s budget does not expand residential rebate programs; the committee member added that a $100,000,000 windfall from sales taxes on electric utilities exists, which he said could inform future budget discussions. The Chair responded that staff can provide additional information on the funding status.
A motion to release S-38-19 with no committee amendments was made and the committee conducted a roll-call vote. The Clerk announced the bill was favorably released.
The measure was presented without committee amendments and will be forwarded to the next legislative stage. The committee did not set specific implementation steps in this meeting; members requested staff follow up on funding availability.
