Energy Storage Legislation Sparks Lobbying Frenzy

The broad lobbying on the issue — including from renewable energy companies, utilities and public health groups — is a sign of the growing coalition that is forming in support of the nascent technology and seeking government help for it. The legislative proposals are not all new, but momentum for them both on and off Capitol Hill is picking up.

The bills include the bipartisan "Energy Storage Tax Incentive and Deployment Act,” which would provide for an investment tax credit (ITC) for energy storage systems.

The "Better Energy Storage Technology Act," a bipartisan measure to boost research and development funding for storage, is also getting significant attention.

Aimee Ghosh, a Pillsbury Public Policy senior associate who has tracked recent pro-storage legislation, said the broad support among interest groups and companies is a major indicator of the potential success of storage legislation.

"You're seeing a broad coalition outside of Congress with various interest groups, stakeholders in the energy industry, really in agreement that this is needed, good policy and good for America. And you don't really see, like you would with other types of legislation, anyone who's overtly opposed," she said, noting that the legislation is technology- and fuel-neutral.

Ghosh said she expects some form of legislation to pass, potentially as part of a larger legislative package. She said one likely bill is the version of the "BEST Act" that passed in September out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.