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Worcester County denies letter of support for Snow Hill energy-storage grant amid safety concerns
Summary
The county commissioners voted 6-1 to deny providing a letter of support for Snow Hill’s pre-construction microgrid grant, citing battery storage fire and first-responder safety concerns and a lack of local engagement from Snow Hill officials.
Worcester County commissioners on Jan. 6 voted 6-1 to deny a requested county letter of support for a Snow Hill grant application aimed at planning small solar-and-battery microgrids.
Commissioner Abbott, who moved to deny the letter, said the proposal could bring battery energy storage systems to Snow Hill and expressed concern that current technology and firefighting protocols do not yet adequately protect first responders and communities. Commissioner Bertino seconded the motion. Commissioners discussed that Snow Hill representatives were not present at the meeting to explain the project and that staff could invite them to return with more information.
A board member noted the state had extended the grant application deadline to Jan. 9 and characterized the funding as a pre-construction planning grant; the county official explained denial of a support letter would not prevent Snow Hill from applying for state funds on its own. The motion to deny carried, with the board recording six votes in favor and one opposed.
The board suggested staff invite Snow Hill to present details at a future meeting and to return with more information about site safety, first-responder needs and technical specifications before reconsidering support.
The denial was procedural only: commissioners emphasized the county would remain available to review additional information and that the grant, if submitted without a county letter, could proceed through the state review process.
