H.R. 4447 — Reported in House

IB Union Calendar No. 404 116th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 4447 [Report No. 116–504, Part I] IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES September 20, 2019Mr. O'Halleran (for himself, Mr. Mullin, Mr. Lamb, and Mr. Norman) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned September 15, 2020Additional sponsors: Mr. Fitzpatrick, Mrs. Brooks of Indiana, Mr. Welch, Mr. Cole, Ms. Spanberger, and Ms. Kuster of New Hampshire September 15, 2020Reported from the Committee on Energy and Commerce with an amendmentStrike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic September 15, 2020Committee on Science, Space, and Technology discharged; committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printedFor text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on September 20, 2019 A BILL To establish an energy storage and microgrid grant and technical assistance program. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019. 2. Definitions (a) Definitions In this Act: (1) Eligible entity The term eligible entity means— (A) a rural electric cooperative; or (B) a nonprofit organization working with at least 6 rural electric cooperatives. (2) Energy storage The term energy storage means the use of equipment or facilities relating to the electric grid that are capable of absorbing and converting energy, as applicable, storing the energy for a period of time, and dispatching the energy, that— (A) use mechanical, electrochemical, biochemical, or thermal processes, to convert and store energy that was generated at an earlier time for use at a later time; (B) use mechanical, electrochemical, biochemical, or thermal processes to convert and store energy generated from mechanical processes that would otherwise be wasted for delivery at a later time; or (C) convert and store energy in an electric, thermal, or gaseous state for direct use for heating or cooling at a later time in a manner that avoids the need to use electricity or other fuel sources at that later time, as is offered by grid-enabled water heaters. (3) Island The term island mode means a mode in which a distributed generator or energy storage device continues to power a location in the absence of electric power from the primary source. (4) Microgrid The term microgrid means an interconnected system of loads and distributed energy resources, including generators and energy storage devices, within clearly defined electrical boundaries that— (A) acts as a single controllable entity with respect to the electric grid; and (B) can connect to, and disconnect from, the electric grid to operate in both grid-connected mode and island mode. (5) Renewable energy source The term renewable energy source has the meaning given the term in section 609(a) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 918c(a)). (6) Rural electric cooperative The term rural electric cooperative means an electric cooperative (as defined in section 3 of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 796)) that sells electric energy to persons in rural areas. (7) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Energy. 3. Energy storage and microgrid assistance program (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a program under which the Secretary shall— (1) provide grants to eligible entities under subsection (c); (2) provide technical assistance to eligible entities under subsection (d); and (3) disseminate information to eligible entities on— (A) the activities described in subsections (c)(1) and (d); and (B) potential and existing energy storage and microgrid projects. (b) Cooperative agreement The Secretary may enter into a cooperative agreement with an eligible entity to carry out subsection (a). (c) Grants (1) In general The Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities for identifying, evaluating, designing, and demonstrating energy storage and microgrid projects that utilize energy from renewable energy sources. (2) Application To be eligible to receive a grant under paragraph (1), an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (3) Use of grant An eligible entity that receives a grant under paragraph (1)— (A) shall use the grant— (i) to conduct feasibility studies to assess the potential for implementation or improvement of energy storage or microgrid projects; (ii) to analyze and implement strategies to overcome barriers to energy storage or microgrid project implementation, including financial, contracting, siting, and permitting barriers; (iii) to conduct detailed engineering of energy storage or microgrid projects; (iv) to perform a cost-benefit analysis with respect to an energy storage or microgrid project; (v) to plan for both the short- and long-term inclusion of energy storage or microgrid projects into the future development plans of the eligible entity; or (vi) to purchase and install necessary equipment, materials, and supplies for demonstration of emerging technologies; and (B) may use the grant to obtain technical assistance from experts in carrying out the activities described in subparagraph (A). (4) Condition As a condition of receiving a grant under paragraph (1), an eligible entity shall— (A) implement a public awareness campaign, in coordination with the Secretary, about the project implemented under the grant in the community in which the eligible entity is located; (B) submit to the Secretary, and make available to the public, a report that describes— (i) any energy cost savings and environmental benefits achieved under the project; and (ii) the results of the project, including quantitative assessments to the extent practicable, associated with each activity described in paragraph (3)(A); and (C) create and disseminate tools and resources that will benefit other rural electric cooperatives, which may include cost calculators, guidebooks, handbooks, templates, and training courses. (5) Cost-share Activities under this subsection shall be subject to the cost-sharing requirements of section 988 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16352). (d) Technical assistance (1) In general In carrying out the program established under subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide eligible entities with technical assistance relating to— (A) identifying opportunities for energy storage and microgrid projects; (B) understanding the technical and economic characteristics of energy storage or microgrid projects; (C) understanding financing alternatives; (D) permitting and siting issues; (E) obtaining case studies of similar and successful energy storage or microgrid projects; (F) reviewing and obtaining computer software for assessment, design, and operation and maintenance of energy storage or microgrid systems; and (G) understanding and utilizing the reliability and resiliency benefits of energy storage and microgrid projects. (2) External contracts In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary may enter into contracts with third-party experts, including engineering, finance, and insurance experts, to provide technical assistance to eligible entities relating to the activities described in such paragraph, or other relevant activities, as determined by the Secretary. 4. Authorization of appropriations (a) In general There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025. (b) Administrative costs Not more than 5 percent of the amount appropriated under subsection (a) for each fiscal year shall be used for administrative expenses. September 15, 2020Reported from the Committee on Energy and Commerce with an amendmentSeptember 15, 2020Committee on Science, Space, and Technology discharged; committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed