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Skowhegan planning board reviews draft rules for battery energy storage in solar projects
Summary
The Skowhegan Planning Board reviewed draft language to add battery energy storage systems (BESS) requirements to the town—s solar ordinance, including definitions, inspections, emergency plans, decommissioning bonds, setbacks, noise limits and a ban on PFAS firefighting foams. Board members agreed to seek public input and educational outreach.
At a recent Skowhegan Planning Board meeting, members reviewed draft ordinance language to add battery energy storage systems, or BESS, to the town's solar regulations and agreed to solicit public comment and host educational outreach before any final action.
The draft adds a definition and multiple application and safety requirements. The planner presenting the changes read a proposed definition aloud: "a physical container, structure, or facility comprised of 1 or more battery units, associate electrical equipment, safety systems, and controls designed to store energy for later use. BESS may be integrated into or co located with a solar energy facility." The planner said the state handbook currently lists only six such systems in Maine.
Why it matters: The new language would govern where and how battery storage can be sited with solar projects, address fire and environmental risks, and set financial assurance requirements should operators need to remove or remediate a facility.
Key provisions discussed
- Inspections and planning review: The draft requires that "all BESS shall be subject to inspection by the code enforcement officer," and that any significant…
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