While this definition could enable several use cases, in practice most community energy storage projects feature direct utility ownership and control; they are not community owned. However, other models are emerging that tie the asset more directly to the community.
An expansion of community energy storage will not necessarily lead to more equitable outcomes. Greater regulatory and financial support will be needed for these assets to be accessible to underrepresented communities. The “community” of community energy storage as a business model is broadly defined.
The community solar + storage project allows customers to buy electricity for a lower rate than the utility, while providing more valuable generation to the grid. Energy storage can also be installed in campuses or multifamily buildings and shared among the tenants.
As previously mentioned, most community energy storage projects in the United States are distribution sited and utility owned. The community indirectly benefits from cost-effective investments that reduce system costs. There is also the potential for distribution sited storage systems to improve local reliability and resiliency.
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