In a recent Bonner County Board of Commissioners meeting, the focus turned to the Inland Power and Light Cooperative's residential battery storage pilot program, specifically in the Hoodoo area. This initiative, which aims to enhance energy resilience for local homeowners, was revisited following community inquiries and discussions among the commissioners.

Commissioner Williams had previously raised concerns that prompted a deeper examination of the program. During the meeting, several key questions were addressed, shedding light on the project's logistics and safety measures. One significant inquiry was about the location of the battery banks and how power would be distributed to participating homeowners. The response indicated that the most cost-effective placement would likely be within the homeowners' garages or shops, allowing them full control over their battery systems.

Safety was another critical topic, particularly regarding fire protection and containment plans for the batteries. The commissioners noted that these plans would be best discussed with the installer, Northwest Renewables, who will also participate in upcoming public engagement meetings to address community concerns.

Another point of discussion was whether homeowners with existing backup generators could still utilize them alongside the new battery systems. The commissioners clarified that while this would depend on public input and associated costs, homeowners would not lose the ability to use their generators.

The meeting also revealed that the batteries considered for the program are manufactured by Enphase in Texas, ensuring a domestic supply chain. With these clarifications, the commissioners expressed their support for the pilot program, emphasizing that the county's role is to back an initiative already funded and underway, rather than to assist in securing grants.

As the meeting concluded, public comments highlighted the importance of transparency regarding safety protocols, particularly concerning potential hazards associated with battery systems. The commissioners assured residents that further discussions would be held to address these concerns, fostering a collaborative approach as the pilot program moves forward.