Rhode Island Senate Bill S3064

Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/23/22
• Passed: 6/23/22

Caption

Senate Resolution Respectfully Requesting The Public Utilities Commission (puc) To Study And Identify Issues Related To Compensation Mechanisms For Electric Storage Resources, Ownership Of Storage Devices, And Capacity Connected To The Electric Distribution Or Transmission System

Impact

If implemented, S3064 could have a significant impact on how electric storage is compensated and regulated in Rhode Island. By requesting a thorough examination of existing frameworks, the bill aims to facilitate the transition towards renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, establishing cost-effective mechanisms for electric storage systems. More notably, the resolution seeks to identify regulatory barriers and inefficiencies that could hinder the deployment of energy storage solutions, thus paving the way for new tariffs or programs that could enable broader energy storage adoption by 2032.

Summary

Senate Bill S3064 is a resolution that requests the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to study and identify issues related to compensation mechanisms for electric storage resources and capacity connected to the electric distribution or transmission system. The bill emphasizes the need for stakeholder participation in this study, which is aimed at understanding the costs and value streams associated with electric storage, distributed energy resources, and ownership issues related to these storage products. This move comes in the context of Rhode Island's transition towards a cleaner energy future, as mandated by the 2021 Act on Climate, which sets ambitious goals for achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding S3064 appears to be favorable, as it aligns with Massachusetts’ statewide objectives related to renewable energy and carbon footprint reduction. Lawmakers and stakeholders recognize the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy to combat climate change and see the study requested in the bill as a necessary step to develop effective storage solutions that support these environmental goals. However, the resolution also implicitly acknowledges the challenges in balancing technological deployments while maintaining fair compensation for utility services.

Contention

One point of contention surrounding S3064 could arise from differing opinions on how best to integrate electric storage into the existing system and the associated costs. While the bill emphasizes stakeholder input and the necessity of thorough evaluations, concerns may emerge regarding the implications for utilities and ratepayers. Issues related to market inefficiencies and the operational competition among various energy storage resources could lead to debates on ownership structures, especially if recommendations lead to substantial changes in existing utility rates or regulatory practices.