Brookhaven schedules battery energy storage forum; town disputes early media report

Town of Brookhaven officials said a local television report inaccurately suggested the town was seeking to build battery energy storage facilities and confirmed a public forum on battery energy storage scheduled for 7 p.m. at Suffolk County Community College.

"The story that was run this morning ... that the Town of Brookhaven is looking to build battery energy storage facilities was somewhat incorrect," Town Supervisor Mack said, reporting he had spoken with Drew Scott, the town communications director and that staff were working to clarify the scope of incoming applications and what the town can and cannot approve.

Supervisor Mack said the board had authorized a community forum on battery and energy storage and that the forum was planned for 7 p.m. at Suffolk County Community College. "We have applications that are coming in, and we all endeavor to educate people as to what is and what isn't," he said, describing the event as an opportunity for an "informative" discussion.

Supervisor Mack noted neighboring towns have taken different approaches to battery storage: he said Southampton enacted a moratorium in January and that Riverhead and Babylon were also considering measures.

The announcement clarifies that the town is convening a public educational forum and has not announced board approval to site battery energy storage facilities. The town encouraged attendance at the college forum to give residents information about battery energy storage proposals and permitting processes.