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HB 5537

AN ACT CONCERNING NET METERING FOR STAND-ALONE ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jaime Foster

Connecticut bill extends net metering credits to stand-alone battery storage systems, allowing owners to get utility billing credits for returning stored power to the grid.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Energy and Technology
#electricstoragebatteries #virtualnetmetering
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Bill Summary · HB 5537

Legislative bill overview

HB 5537 would establish net metering provisions specifically for stand-alone energy storage systems (batteries and similar devices) in Connecticut, allowing homeowners and businesses to receive credits for excess energy stored and returned to the grid. Currently, net metering policies in Connecticut primarily apply to solar and renewable generation systems, not storage alone. This bill would extend similar billing protections to storage-only installations.

Why is this important

As battery storage technology becomes more affordable and practical, many property owners want to install storage without simultaneous solar or wind generation—using off-peak power or grid credits to charge batteries for later use. Without clear net metering rules for storage, these systems face uncertain economics and billing treatment, which slows market adoption of grid-stabilizing technology. Clarifying storage's role in net metering could accelerate deployment while helping utilities better manage peak demand periods.

Potential points of contention

  • Grid compensation rates: How much credit storage systems should receive for returned energy—full retail rate, wholesale rate, or something in between—directly affects system economics and utility revenue
  • Double-charging concerns: Utilities may worry about storage systems charging during low-cost periods and selling back at high rates, potentially creating arbitrage that shifts costs to non-solar ratepayers
  • Technical definitions and eligibility: The bill will need clear definitions of "stand-alone" storage to prevent gaming (e.g., hidden solar paired with storage claiming storage-only status)

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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