The House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee Monday unanimously reported out  House Bill 1412 (Barrar-R-Delaware) proposing a regulatory framework to encourage energy storage and microgrids to improve electric grid resiliency during disaster emergencies and other circumstances (sponsor summary).

Microgrid systems offer many potential benefits to the electrical grid, including increased resiliency during large scale electric disruption, increased integration of highly efficient Distributed Energy Resources (like solar energy and combined heat and power systems) and potential cost savings for consumers, ratepayers and utilities.

Microgrids serve a small number of electricity users with a local source of power that is able to function independently from the larger electricity grid, but is still connected to it.

The bill was amended to, among other changes, clarify reporting requirements by the Public Utility Commission.

“It’s important to provide resiliency in the provision of electricity for our emergency responders, especially during power outages. We all know that medical issues and other emergencies don’t stop during outages. In fact, they can be more frequent, with vulnerable citizens being exposed to more extreme temperatures and a lack of food and necessities,” said Rep. Steve Barrar, prime sponsor of the bill.

The Committee held two hearings on the bill on June 19 and November 15 and found general support for the legislation, along with suggestions for improving the bill.

Rep. Stephen Barrar (R-Delaware) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee, and can be contacted by sending email to: sbarrar@pahousegop.com. Rep. Chris Sainato (D-Lawrence) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to: csainato@pahouse.net.

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[Posted: March 12, 2018]

3/19/2018