Energy Storage

Background

Energy Storage is a physical system with the ability to capture energy for dispatch or electricty use at a later time. On December 16, 2010 the CPUC opened a proceeding to review and establish, if appropriate, opportunities for the development and deployment of energy storage technologies throughout California's electricity system.

Assembly Bill 2514 directs the CPUC to determine appropriate targets for each load-serving entity to procure cost-effective energy storage systems.

DRA's Policy Position

DRA supports the following principles regarding energy storage:

• Specific procurement targets should not be set at this time, and not at all unless specific needs are identified and costs are quantified.
• Tariffs and rules should be revised or clarified to allow viable storage to compete against other resources.
• Markets should be technology-neutral to allow for storage to participate equally with other resources.

DRA filed Comments on August 29, 2011 and Comments on January 21, 2011.

Current Proceeding

A Proposed Decision is expected in the first quarter of 2012 and a CPUC vote on the decision in the second quarter of 2012. 

See the proceeding docket.