Council continues fact‑finding on large battery storage 'best systems' under moratorium

Bonney Lake’s City Council continued deliberations May 5 on a moratorium and fact‑finding effort concerning large battery storage installations sometimes called “best systems.” No application was before the council; members and staff discussed the moratorium, potential system footprints and planned meetings with energy stakeholders.

Councilmembers and staff said the moratorium remains in effect while the city researches regulations and prepares for a public hearing. Councilmember Huebner outlined possible ordinance language options and warned that ambiguity in local code could allow state review or override under state siting processes such as the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC). "We want to be very clear and concise on the wording," Huebner said, noting distance buffers (examples offered: 1,000 to 2,000 feet from residences) as a drafting option.

Deputy Mayor Swatman and other members asked about physical footprints: one councilmember described a proposed system as "seven or eight 40‑foot" connex/containers, large enough to require a small site. Public services director Sullivan cautioned that the city should investigate water‑utility impacts because contamination cleanup could extend beyond city borders and pose long‑term liability. Councilmembers raised questions about insurance, cleanup responsibilities and emergency response; staff said they have scheduled a fact‑finding meeting with Puget Sound Energy/PSC representatives and will consult city attorney and other agencies.

Councilmembers emphasized they are not processing any applications while the moratorium and study proceed. The discussion identified public‑safety, water‑utility and siting concerns as primary issues to address in drafting potential regulations and in upcoming meetings with PSC and installers.