Bill > H4552

This bill aims to enhance the reliability of renewable energy resources in Massachusetts by requiring distribution companies to enter into cost-effective 10-15 year contracts for "existing energy storage peak renewable power" and "new energy storage peak renewable power." The bill defines these terms as energy storage systems that transport renewable energy from periods of lower demand to periods of higher demand, with the existing systems having started operations before 2020 and the new systems starting in 2020 or later. The distribution companies must jointly solicit proposals for these contracts, which are subject to review and approval by the Department of Public Utilities. The bill also establishes a selection committee and an independent evaluator to oversee the solicitation and bid selection process.