Oregon PUC Opens Docket to Implement an Energy Storage Program; Workshop Scheduled for January 27, 2016

The Oregon Public Utilities Commission (the “OPUC” or “Commission”) opened Docket No. UM 1751 in compliance with House Bill 2193. As discussed in an earlier blog post, HB 2193 requires electric companies to procure qualifying energy storage systems by January 1, 2020, subject to authorization by the OPUC.  Section 3(1) of the legislation requires the Commission to adopt guidelines no later than January 1, 2017 for an electric company to use when submitting a proposal for one or more energy projects by January 1, 2018.

In developing the guidelines, the Commission will, among other things, (i) examine the potential value of applying energy storage system technology; (ii) consider ways in which to encourage electric companies to invest in different types of energy storage systems; and (iii) consider any other factor reasonably related to the procurement of qualifying energy storage systems.

In order to assist the Commission in developing guidelines, the OPUC Staff has scheduled a workshop for Wednesday, January 27, 2016.  The workshop will be held from 9:30-12:00 in the Main Hearing Room of the OPUC located at 201 High Street SE in Salem, Oregon.

According to the OPUC Staff’s draft agenda, you can expect the following topics to be discussed:

• Review of HB 2193, phases and requirements
• Defining values of applying energy storage system technologies including: (A) deferred investment in generation transmission or distribution of electricity; (B) reduced need for additional generation of electricity during times of peak demand; (C) improved integration of different types of renewable resources; (D) reduced greenhouse gas emissions; (E) improved reliability of electrical transmission or distribution systems; and (F) reduced portfolio power costs (Section 3(1)(a)(A-F))
• Defining other values reasonably related to the application of energy storage system technology (Section 3 (1)(a)(G))
• Ways to encourage electric companies to invest in different types of energy storage systems (Section 3(1)(b))
• Other considerations for the guidelines
• Schedule and next steps

Docket UM 1751 can be accessed here.  A copy of the OPUC Staff’s email to stakeholders regarding the January 27 Workshop can be found here.  We will continue to provide you with updates as the Commission implements HB 2193.