Maine State Chamber testifies in support of bill to allow energy storage facilities to qualify for BETE

On Wednesday, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce testified in support of LD 2030, An Act Regarding the Taxation of Energy Storage Systems and Equipment, sponsored by Rep. Maureen Terry (D-Gorham).  The bill would create an exemption from sales and use tax on the sale of commercial energy storage systems and related parts and construction. It also provides that such property qualifies under the Business Equipment Tax Exemption (BETE) program. 

Maine prides itself on promoting and encouraging the use of clean energy.  The Maine Legislature, the Governor, and Maine’s federal delegation have all been supportive of developing and utilizing sources of clean energy. 
 
In her testimony, Linda Caprara noted that energy storage is a necessary part of reducing the carbon footprint, produces long-term benefits and reliability to the state’s energy economy, and is absolutely an integral part of a clean and reliable supply of energy. Caprara testified that clean energy sources can be unreliable when they don’t produce power due to lack of wind or light, and as such, energy storage facilities allow energy to be stored and released during these times of low supply, ensuring the continuous flow of energy to meet the consumers’ needs. She said that to have a source of clean energy without any backup does not make sense and negates the impacts of using that energy. As such, she continued, investments in technology to ensure that continuous supply is available remains critically important to our economy and to our citizens. 
 
The Maine State Chamber argued, if the State fails to act now, these projects will go elsewhere and will jeopardize Maine’s ability to meet its renewable energy goals. Maine needs to encourage such investments to secure and further its clean energy economy. Caprara also noted that Maine’s strategic plan highlights the importance of innovation to our future economy and encourages the state to support ongoing efforts to further advances in new ventures, new technologies, etc. 
 
If you have any questions, please contact Linda Caprara, senior government relations specialist, by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 106, or by emailing lcaprara@mainechamber.org.