New Caucus to Congress: energy storage is a transformative technology
The Congressional Battery Energy Storage Caucus, led by Representatives Chris Collins (R-NY) and Mark Takano (D-CA), which is dedicated to expanding the markets for energy storage and educating fellow Members of Congress on how policy can remove impediments to greater use of storage systems, has officially launched.
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The bipartisan Caucus is aimed at advancing understanding of how energy storage systems are enabling businesses and homeowners better access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electric power. Caucus members will work together with stakeholders toward innovative and effective policy solutions that address challenges in the energy infrastructure and drive the adoption of energy storage technology. The Caucus will periodically brief Congress on how battery storage is reshaping the way electricity is generated, distributed and consumed, and how policy can remove impediments to its greater use.
"Across the nation, states are facing an aging electrical grid that is increasingly unprepared to handle the demands of modern businesses and consumers," Rep. Collins said at a press conference announcing the launch. "Energy storage technology is uniquely suited to address infrastructure and energy challenges we face in the United States. The battery storage industry is creating new businesses and providing new jobs to the U.S. economy, and American companies are leading the way globally."
Energy storage systems are already creating a more resilient and efficient electrical grid, with thousands of systems in operation throughout the United States today.
"Energy storage installations in the United States are expected to grow fivefold before the end of the decade," said Matt Roberts, executive director of the Energy Storage Association, at the press conference. "The formation of this Caucus serves as recognition not only that energy storage is providing significant value throughout our energy system, but also that overcoming barriers to further storage utilization is in the public interest."
In Southern California, energy storage is proving to be a transformative technology for utilities and grid operators.
"It is a key component of our strategy for replacing retiring generation and managing grid congestion, as well as a critical asset for expanding solar, wind and other renewable energy resources," said Rep. Takano.
Distributed energy storage is especially valuable for helping businesses and residences save money and energy while improving resilience and reliability. In fact, "on the customer side of the meter, the energy storage market is forecast to grow exponentially over the next 10 years," Grady Crosby, corporate vice president of Johnson Controls, said at the press conference.
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