Senator Hassan Discusses Importance of Battery Storage Technology to Support Clean Energy and Promote Energy Efficiency During Committee Hearing
The Senator’s Bipartisan Bill to Expand Battery Storage Systems Nationwide Was Signed into Law Last December
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan discussed the importance of battery storage technologies in order to support clean energy solutions, as well as improving energy efficiency, during a Senate Finance Committee hearing yesterday.
To watch the Senator’s questioning, click here.
Renewable energy sources like wind and solar power can only generate energy when there is sufficient wind or sun exposure, but battery storage technology can retain excess wind and solar power for later use. Better battery technology will help increase the use of renewable energy sources and eliminate reliability gaps throughout the day. Senator Hassan’s bipartisan Battery Storage Innovation Act – which was signed into law as part of the December government funding package – expands the Department of Energy’s Loan Guarantee Program to include supporting the deployment of battery storage technology.
“Battery storage is an absolute critical component to the future of the reliability of our systems,” said Maria Pope, President and CEO of Portland General Electric Company. “As we look at the grid of the future, we will be able to store solar and wind energy for use during times when the wind is not blowing and the sun is not shining.”
The Senator also highlighted her bills with Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) to modernize and expand energy efficiency tax incentives for home energy efficiency improvements and upgrades, which could help create good-paying jobs, reduce homeowners' energy bills, and help fight climate change.
“The energy efficiency sector is one of the largest clean energy employers, with millions of workers spread out across every state,” Senator Hassan said. “Our bills would expand tax credits for homeowners who upgrade appliances, and improve incentives for building new energy efficient homes.”
Additionally, the Senator discussed her bipartisan bill to support the renewable energy market by helping states expand net metering programs. She also raised the importance of eliminating tax giveaways to Big Oil.
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