Bill > SB5727

This bill creates a comprehensive incentive program to encourage residential battery energy storage systems in Washington state. The legislation aims to increase grid-connected battery storage capacity to help manage peak electrical loads, provide backup power during potential outages, and support clean energy goals. Specifically, light and power businesses with over 100,000 retail electric customers must develop battery incentive programs that provide financial support to residential customers for installing battery storage systems. The incentives are tiered, offering up to $765 per kilowatt-hour for low-income and moderate-income households (capped at 18 kilowatt-hours) and up to $450 per kilowatt-hour for other customers. Utilities must design programs that either offer time-of-use rates or incorporate batteries into virtual power plants, with at least 40% of the program benefits targeting low-income and moderate-income households. The incentive program will run from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2036, and participating utilities can receive tax credits for incentive payments and program-related expenses. The bill also requires the Washington State University extension energy program to audit these programs and collect data to evaluate their effectiveness, with a goal of installing 50 megawatt-hours of battery storage and growing battery-related employment in the state.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5727&Year=2025&Initiative=false