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Board schedules public hearing on two 4MW battery storage siting agreements with Lightshift/CVEC
Summary
The Board authorized a Nov. 13 public hearing to consider voluntary siting agreements for two 4MW battery energy storage systems at CVEC substations in Colleen and Piney River; Lightshift proposed community commitments including one‑time $8,000 payments and training/donation packages per site.
Representatives from Lightshift Energy briefed the Board Oct. 14 on two battery energy storage projects sited at CVEC substations in Colleen and Piney River. Each project is a four‑megawatt, standalone battery system designed for peak‑shaving and resiliency.
Lightshift said both sites have already received minor site‑plan approval from county planning staff and that the projects are permitted as accessory uses to a public utility. Because Virginia law provides for voluntary siting agreements between applicants and host localities, Lightshift proposed agreements that would include a one‑time payment of $8,000 to the County per site, an estimated annual machinery & tools tax of roughly $8,000–$9,000, specialized emergency‑response training paid for by the developer, and a $10,000 charitable donation per site to a County‑designated agency or community organization.
County staff recommended scheduling a public hearing so the Board can consider the terms of the siting agreements; supervisors voted unanimously to authorize a public hearing for Nov. 13, 2025. Lightshift representatives also committed to coordinate training and emergency‑response planning with the local fire department and to reimburse additional man‑hours if the developer’s response proves inadequate.
Next steps: public hearing on Nov. 13, 2025; if the Board approves agreements after public input, terms would guide developer commitments and decommissioning language included in the draft agreements.
