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State of Charge was commissioned as part of the Baker-Polito Administration’s Energy Storage Initiative (ESI), an initial $10 million investment that recognizes the potential benefits of incorporating advanced storage technologies into Massachusetts energy portfolio. The ESI aims to achieve the benefits by pursuing a multi-pronged approach to establishing an energy storage market structure, building strategic partnerships and supporting storage projects at the electric wholesale system, utility distribution system, and customer side scale.

The Study Team was comprised of Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER), Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), Customized Energy Solutions, Sustainable Energy Advantage, Daymark, and Alevo Analytics. Customized Energy Solutions was the lead consultant. The study analyzes the national and Massachusetts’s storage industry landscape, reviews economic development and market opportunities for energy storage, and examines potential policies and programs to better support energy storage deployment in the Commonwealth.

Stakeholder engagement was the initial phase of this study’s process and an integral part of the research. The study incorporates qualitative and quantitative analyses of information and data from stakeholders. This was paired with analytic data gathered by researchers across the country in order to further understand the current state of energy storage in Massachusetts and provide recommendations for potential future growth.

Following the release of this study, DOER and MassCEC will work with stakeholders to begin testing and implementing both the regulatory and the policy recommendations.

“Advanced energy storage technologies present commercially viable options. These technologies can help to reduce energy cost, promote the use of clean energy, and solve reliability challenges being faced on the grid today,” stated Jacqueline DeRosa, Vice President of Emerging Technologies, U.S. “The State of Charge Report offers a cutting edge and holistic approach for examining the comprehensive benefits of energy storage.”

“The growth of renewable energy resources and the retirement of large capacity generators in the region present Massachusetts with a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of the energy storage movement,” said Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Commissioner Judith Judson. “State of Charge shows that the Commonwealth can integrate energy storage to lower overall energy costs, increase grid efficiency by decreasing peak demand, and more effectively utilize our strong clean energy sector.”

About CES
Established in 1998, Customized Energy Solutions assists clients in managing and staying ahead of the changes in the wholesale and retail electricity and natural gas markets. Serving hundreds of clients, Customized Energy Solutions offers best-in-class hosted energy market operations platforms and services.

About MASS DOER
The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) develops and implements policies and programs aimed at ensuring the adequacy, security, diversity, and cost-effectiveness of the Commonwealth’s energy supply to create a clean, affordable and resilient energy future.

To view the State of Charge Report: http://www.mass.gov/eea/energy-utilities-clean-tech/renewable-energy/energy-storage-initiative/