On Sunday, Massachusetts’ House approved an omnibus energy bill that requires utilities to procure energy storage, as well as lifting barriers to allow them to own this storage. The was previously reconciled with a Senate version, and now goes to the desk of Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker (R), who is expected to sign it.

Under the bill the state’s Department of Energy Resources (DOER) will determine whether or not to set targets for utilities. DOER is also invited to enact policies to support the growth of energy storage, including “refinement of existing procurement methods”, use of alternative compliance payments to develop pilot programs, and the use of energy efficiency funds.