Bill > LD819

This bill clarifies the tax treatment of battery storage systems in Maine by extending two key tax benefits: the Business Equipment Tax Exemption (BETE) and the Business Equipment Tax Reimbursement (BETR) program. Specifically, the legislation defines a "battery storage system" as commercially available technology that can store energy for later use, such as lithium-ion batteries, and makes these systems eligible for tax exemptions and reimbursements under certain conditions. To qualify, more than 50% of the electrical output from the battery storage system must either serve the load behind the utility meter where the system is located, or have had a fully executed interconnection agreement with a transmission and distribution utility by January 1, 2025. The bill will apply to property tax years beginning on or after April 1, 2026, providing clear guidance and financial incentives for businesses investing in energy storage technologies. This legislation aims to support the growth of renewable energy infrastructure by making battery storage systems more financially attractive for businesses in Maine.

Budget and Finance

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=819&snum=132