As energy storage technologies can strengthen and enhance grid infrastructure and services, state decisionmakers face the complex challenge of crafting effective policies to integrate these innovations into their grids. On Feb. 24-26, Sandia’s Will McNamara led a three-day tutorial in partnership with the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissions (NARUC), titled “Designing State-Level Regulations for Energy Storage.” This professional development course brought together over 100 participants—such as commissioners, staff, consumer advocates, and utility representatives—to explore the capabilities and applications of energy storage to provide grid solutions.
The tutorial’s structured agenda included foundational technology overviews, culminating in an in-depth examination of state-specific approaches. Notably, Commissioner Lea Marquez Peterson of the Arizona Corporation Commission shared insights on Arizona’s approach to energy storage deployment, followed by McNamara’s detailed analyses of several US states. These studies illuminated the diversity and innovation in state frameworks, offering valuable lessons for jurisdictions nationwide.
This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Electricity (OE), Energy Storage Division.