Distributed Energy Demonstration Act of 2019
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (5 Jun 2019): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
What this bill does
This bill, introduced by Sen. Ron Wyden on June 5, 2019, would direct the Secretary of Energy to create several new federal grant programs to support "distributed energy" technologies. These include an advanced distribution system grant program for electric utilities, a smart water heater demonstration program, a vehicle-to-grid integration (VGI) demonstration program covering light-duty, fleet, and transit vehicles, and a granular retail electricity pricing grant program. Grant applicants would generally have to submit interoperability, cybersecurity, and privacy plans, and in some cases obtain approval from state utility regulators. The bill authorizes specific funding levels for some programs—$50 million each for the advanced distribution system and smart water heater programs—available over a 10-year period.
The programs would primarily affect electric utilities (investor-owned, publicly owned, and cooperatives), vehicle and equipment manufacturers, transit agencies, National Laboratories, universities, and other entities that could apply for grants to test new grid, water heater, and vehicle-charging technologies. Ultimately, the changes are intended to affect how electricity is generated, priced, stored, and used, potentially influencing utility customers and vehicle owners through pilot projects. The bill also includes provisions on personal data protection for participants in these programs.
The bill was introduced and referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on June 5, 2019, during the 116th Congress. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further before the end of that Congress, meaning it did not become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Distributed Energy Demonstration Act of 2019
This bill establishes several renewable energy and energy efficiency grant programs.
Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish grant programs for
• advancing the integration and optimization of distributed energy resources (e.g., smaller power sources that can be aggregated to provide power, such as rooftop solar panels) into the electric energy grid;
• demonstrating the use of household hot water heaters as energy storage resources;
• advancing electric vehicle technologies; and
• supporting the voluntary deployment of granular electricity pricing that is based upon the electricity's value at the time and location of the production or consumption of the electricity.
In addition, the bill reauthorizes through FY2025 and revises the DOE grant program for smart grid investments.
Timeline
5 Jun 2019
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Common questions
- What does S. 1742 do?
- This bill, introduced by Sen. Ron Wyden on June 5, 2019, would direct the Secretary of Energy to create several new federal grant programs to support "distributed energy" technologies. These include an advanced distribution system grant program for electric utilities, a smart water heater demonstration program, a vehicle-to-grid integration (VGI) demonstration program covering light-duty, fleet, and transit vehicles, and a granular retail electricity pricing grant program. Grant applicants would generally have to submit interoperability, cybersecurity, and privacy plans, and in some cases obtain approval from state utility regulators. The bill authorizes specific funding levels for some programs—$50 million each for the advanced distribution system and smart water heater programs—available over a 10-year period. The programs would primarily affect electric utilities (investor-owned, publicly owned, and cooperatives), vehicle and equipment manufacturers, transit agencies, National Laboratories, universities, and other entities that could apply for grants to test new grid, water heater, and vehicle-charging technologies. Ultimately, the changes are intended to affect how electricity is generated, priced, stored, and used, potentially influencing utility customers and vehicle owners through pilot projects. The bill also includes provisions on personal data protection for participants in these programs. The bill was introduced and referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on June 5, 2019, during the 116th Congress. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further before the end of that Congress, meaning it did not become law.
- Has S. 1742 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 1742. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 1742?
- S. 1742 was sponsored by Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR] (D-OR), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 1742?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (5 Jun 2019).
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