Bill > HB1871

This bill aims to incentivize grid-connected residential battery energy storage systems by creating a statewide program that provides financial support to utility customers who install battery systems. The legislation establishes a battery incentive program where qualified light and power businesses can offer payments to customers installing residential battery storage systems between July 2026 and June 2036. The incentives vary by income level, with low-income and moderate-income households eligible for up to $765 per kilowatt-hour of battery storage (capped at 18 kilowatt-hours), while other customers can receive up to $450 per kilowatt-hour. The program requires participating utilities to integrate these batteries into time-of-use rate plans or virtual power plants, with a requirement that at least 40% of the program benefits low-income and moderate-income households. The bill also provides tax credits to utilities for making these incentive payments and requires the Washington State University extension energy program to oversee and audit the programs. The ultimate goals are to increase energy storage capacity, improve grid resilience, reduce transmission costs, and support clean energy transformation by making battery storage more accessible and affordable for residential customers.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1871&Year=2025&Initiative=false