Howard County extends BESS moratorium, authorizes RFP for solar compliance monitoring

Howard County commissioners voted to extend a 180-day moratorium on battery energy storage systems (BESS) and authorized a request for proposals (RFP) to secure independent compliance monitoring for potential solar projects in the county.

The extension was presented by Mr. Wilson and approved unanimously; the resolution was assigned number 2025-BCCR-13. Commissioners then approved staff’s request to issue an RFP for compliance monitoring of solar projects, which the county said would ensure adherence to the county’s drainage and road-use ordinances and related agreements. Pam Isaac described the monitoring role as daily oversight ensuring compliance with drainage and road use requirements.

The RFP will solicit engineering firms to provide inspection and monitoring services and — if a project is approved — the solar company would pay for the monitoring contract, Isaac said. Brad Simonis, a resident who spoke during public comment, asked whether the county or the solar company would select the monitoring firm and expressed concern that a company paying for services could influence the choice. Isaac said the county’s surveyor and highway staff would be heavily involved in the selection process.

Commissioners and staff characterized the RFP as preparatory: county staff said they “need to get this in place” because future projects could require on-site, daily oversight. Isaac told the commission, “This is a request for proposals to have compliance monitoring for the solar projects that have the potential to come to Howard County.” She added that the responses "are due back by July." The moratorium, originally set for 180 days, was extended for an additional 180 days to allow commissioners more time to investigate BESS issues.

Why it matters: the moratorium halts permitting or approvals for battery energy storage systems in the county while officials evaluate safety, land-use, and infrastructure impacts. The RFP sets a path for a third-party compliance monitor intended to enforce locally adopted drainage and road-use requirements if utility-scale solar or storage projects proceed.

Discussion and next steps: commissioners said the extension gives them time to gather information; the RFP will be advertised and proposals reviewed when returned. County staff signaled the county’s highway and surveyor staff will play a central role in selecting and overseeing any monitoring contractor. No additional deadlines beyond "due back by July" were specified in the meeting record.

Less central items at the same meeting included routine approvals of claims and building maintenance work not related to the moratorium or the RFP.