Energy Storage Groups Join Forces

WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Electricity Storage Association (ESA) has signed agreements to work with industry groups in three states--California, New York and Texas. The California Energy Storage Alliance (CESA), New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (NY-BES+) and Texas Energy Storage Alliance (TESA) were formed by companies operating in their respective states joining together to accomplish mutually beneficial policy goals at the state level.

"ESA is excited to link arms with those who can make real progress in the states," said Brad Roberts, Executive Director of ESA. "ESA focuses primarily on the federal sector but needs to make inroads in states; these organizations are perfect leverage points." Judith Judson, Chairperson of the ESA's Advocacy Council, agrees. "Our advocacy efforts will be enhanced substantially by partnerships with state organizations.  Some of the largest energy storage projects are being developed and operated in New York, California and Texas."

Janice Lin, Executive Director of CESA, believes that California can be a model for other states and federally.  "California is off to a great start in energy storage legislation and policy. We look forward to sharing lessons learned as we work with ESA to develop federal policy that can move this important emerging market," stated Lin.

"The planned partnership offers a tremendous opportunity for our organizations to cooperatively leverage activities to enhance member benefits, advocacy efforts and energy storage material development," said NY-BEST Executive Director, William Acker. "While ESA will continue to lead the way in energy storage advancement at the national level, NY-BEST looks forward to utilizing this partnership to promote its member companies and fulfill its mission of developing a world class advanced battery and energy storage sector in New York State," added Acker.

Suzi McClellan of TESA sees the Texas electric market as providing an interesting opportunity for energy storage. "ERCOT is really an island system with a high penetration of wind generation.  The energy storage projects being planned here will provide a great way to showcase the benefits of energy storage.  As we work to integrate storage resources into our market, we hope other states are able to learn from our efforts."  McClellan goes on to add, "This partnership with ESA can help make that knowledge transfer possible."

Katherine Hamilton, Policy Director of the ESA Advocacy Council, believes it will be important for these groups to leverage resources and information. "Advocacy is only as good as the story you are able to tell. These state efforts will go a long way toward developing effective and compelling examples of energy storage making our electric grid more reliable, resilient, efficient, and cost-effective."

About ESA
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., ESA is the preeminent international trade association dedicated to fostering the development and commercialization of energy storage technologies as a means to solving the nation's energy and power challenges. ESA's membership is comprised of a diverse group of electric utilities; energy service companies (ESCOs); independent power producers (IPPs); energy storage technology developers and suppliers; and those in the energy storage research community.  The ESA Advocacy Council currently has eleven members, including: A123 Systems, Inc., AES Energy Storage, Altairnano, Aquion Energy, Beacon Power, FIAMM, Prudent Energy Corporation, S&C Electric Company, Saft America, Inc., SustainX, and Xtreme Power. The ESA is a 501(c)(6) trade association that was formed in 1996. 

SOURCE Electricity Storage Association