H.278 is a bill that mandates Vermont's electric distribution utilities and Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO) to create and submit a comprehensive report to the Department of Public Service by December 31, 2026. This report will include an electric system map that identifies optimal locations for energy storage facilities and flexible load management initiatives, aimed at enhancing reliability, affordability, community resilience, and sustainability of the electric grid. The report will utilize relevant data to assess where investments in energy storage and flexible load solutions can provide the greatest benefits, and it will also include a cost-benefit analysis, potential impacts on retail electric rates, and recommendations for areas that would significantly benefit from energy storage assets.

Additionally, the bill amends existing law to ensure that the Clean Energy Development Board utilizes the findings from the report to guide the awarding of grants for energy storage facility development in the identified locations. The Department of Public Service is tasked with collaborating with various stakeholders in the development of the plan and will update the plan biennially to incorporate new data and assessments. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 30-8015