ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Requires the Illinois Commerce Commission to contract with an independent consultant selected through a request for proposal process to produce a report analyzing the potential costs and benefits of energy storage systems. Provides that the independent consultant must analyze: cost savings to ratepayers from the provision of services; direct-cost savings to customers that deploy energy storage systems; an improved ability to integrate renewable resources; improved reliability and power quality; the effect on retail electric rates over the useful life of a given energy storage system compared to the impact on retail electric rates using a nonenergy storage system alternative over the useful life of the nonenergy storage system alternative; reduced greenhouse gas emissions; and any other value reasonably related to the application of energy storage system technology. Requires the Illinois Commerce Commission to submit the report to the General Assembly and the Governor by December 31, 2021. Effective immediately.