Vitelli-chaired commission on energy storage holds first meeting

The Commission to Study the Economic, Environmental and Energy Benefits of Energy Storage to the Maine Electricity Industry, co-chaired by Assistant Senate Majority Leader Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic, held its first meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 22.

“We had all the right people in the room yesterday for our meeting, and lots of brain power coming together on this issue that is essential to our collective efforts toward energy efficiency and in combating the climate crisis,” said Sen. Vitelli. “Maine is poised to make real progress in this vital sector.”

Tuesday’s meeting included introductions of the committee members; a review of the Commission’s responsibilities; and a presentation from Todd Olinsky-Paul, Project Director at Clean Energy States Alliance, about the national and regional policy climate.

The 14-member commission is charged with exploring whether certain energy storage projects would contribute to Maine’s energy sustainability goals and economy, including potential benefits for ratepayers. The commission will meet at least four times and report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature’s Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee by Dec. 4.