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Planning board schedules expert briefing on battery energy storage; 150 Cordoville project likely needs special permit

Town of Southborough Planning Board · November 13, 2025

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Summary

Planning staff briefed the board on draft state guidance (225 CMR 29) for battery energy storage and said a proposed battery storage installation at 150 Cordoville will likely require a site plan modification and special permit; expert Matt Bracio will meet with the board on Dec. 8.

Planning staff informed the board Nov. 10 that new draft state guidance (225 CMR 29) on small clean energy infrastructure sets a timeline for towns to adopt standards for battery energy storage systems and that a new local proposal at 150 Cordoville will likely require site plan modification and a special permit.

Staff described the state guidance's transition period and noted municipalities may comply with existing local standards until Nov. 30, 2026, but should begin preparing local regulations now. The proposed 150 Cordoville installation would add fenced battery energy storage units and EV charging spaces in an existing commercial area; staff said the submission appears to be a Tier‑3 installation under the draft rules and will likely need a special permit and site plan review.

The board scheduled a Dec. 8 briefing with Matt Bracio, a regional reviewer who oversees solar and battery siting, and asked members to review the materials and bring questions. Planning staff encouraged members to learn about the regulations before that meeting.