The key differences between the energy storage incentive programs in Massachusetts and Rhode Island primarily lie in the structure and magnitude of the incentives, as well as the availability of additional programs.
Key Differences
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Incentive Rates:
- Massachusetts offers a lower incentive rate compared to Rhode Island. For example, in the ConnectedSolutions program, Massachusetts provides $275/kW in the summer and $25/kW in the winter, totaling $300/kW annually.
- Rhode Island offers a higher incentive rate of $400/kW during summer events with no specified winter incentives.
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Program Structure and Additional Incentives:
- Massachusetts allows customers to stack other incentives, such as the SMART solar incentive with storage adder and the Clean Peak Energy Standard Program. Additionally, participants may benefit from zero-interest HEAT loans.
- Rhode Island primarily focuses on the ConnectedSolutions program and the Renewable Energy Fund (REF), which offers a one-time upfront incentive for solar-plus-battery systems, but with limitations compared to Massachusetts’ broader incentive options.
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Program Success and Participation:
- Rhode Island has seen higher per capita participation in its energy storage programs due to higher incentive rates, despite administrative challenges related to the sale of its largest utility.
- Massachusetts has experienced moderate success but benefits from additional supporting programs and financing options, which can enhance participation beyond the core incentives.
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Energy Storage Targets and Policies:
- Both states are progressing towards integrating energy storage into their renewable energy strategies, but Rhode Island has recently established specific energy storage capacity targets.
In summary, while both states offer incentives through demand response programs, Rhode Island provides higher incentives through the ConnectedSolutions program but lacks the broader range of additional incentives available in Massachusetts.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-key-differences-between-the-energy-storage-incentive-programs-in-massachusetts-and-rhode-island/
