AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives gave initial approval on Thursday to a bill sponsored by Rep. Mo Terry, D-Gorham, that would direct the Governor's Energy Office (GEO) to examine options for encouraging energy storage facility development in Maine.
As amended, LD 2030 would require the GEO to review the role that tax incentives play in encouraging growth in energy storage capacity. The bill further directs the GEO to issue a report back to the Legislature by March 15, 2023 with its findings.
Gov. Mills' four-year climate action plan, Maine Wont Wait, identified energy storage as a key factor in achieving emissions reduction goals and maximizing renewable energy potential for the state.
In 2021, Mills signed bipartisan legislation into law that established energy storage goals for Maine of 300 megawatts of installed capacity within the state by the end of 2025 and 400 megawatts by the end of 2030. These goals establish Maine as the ninth U.S. state with energy storage targets. A goal of 400 megawatts would represent nearly 20% of Maine's electricity demand.
"As we strive to meet our ambitious energy and climate goals, we need to think creatively and use every tool in our toolkit to tackle the incredible climate challenges before us," said Terry. "Energy storage has the potential to reduce costs, improve reliability and support renewable energy development. This legislation will allow us to better understand how tax policy could positively impact our energy investment goals."
The bill faces further votes in the House and Senate.
Terry, who represents part of Gorham, is serving her third term in the Maine House of Representatives. She is a chef and small business owner with more than 25 years of experience in the food service industry. She serves as House chair of the Taxation Committee.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Terry], c. 812-1111