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Board discusses model battery storage code; refers draft to energy committee and building/zoning staff
Summary
The board reviewed NYSERDA model guidance on battery energy storage systems and asked staff to get committee and building/zoning input on whether to develop local code provisions and to consider including battery-storage objectives in the comprehensive plan update.
Red Hook Town Board members discussed adopting local regulations for battery energy storage systems (BESS) after staff presented a NYSERDA model code and explained public-safety and resiliency motivations.
Supervisor Robert described battery systems as an important tool for community resilience and noted the town’s interest in enabling battery-backed power for critical assets (for example municipal buildings and water/sewer infrastructure). He said the board was not taking final action, but should get the energy committee and the building/zoning officials involved in drafting an appropriate local code.
Board members and staff noted two planning points: (1) NYSERDA model language often ties battery-storage policy to the municipality’s comprehensive plan, and Red Hook is currently revising its comp plan, and (2) local rules must be compatible with the State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and with electrical-code interconnection rules. The board asked staff to circulate the NYSERDA model, solicit input from the energy committee, building and zoning staff, and the town attorney, and to return with a proposed timeline for incorporation into the comp-plan work or for a stand-alone local code.
Why it matters: battery systems can reduce reliance on fossil-fuel peaker plants, improve resilience for facilities during outages, and enable more distributed renewable energy use; local code language and siting rules determine where larger BESS installations can be placed and what safety measures owners must follow.
Next steps: staff to coordinate with the energy committee and building/zoning staff and report back with recommended code language and a proposed process for public review.
