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Chair Gwen Hilton introduces draft moratorium on large battery storage projects for further review
Summary
Chair Gwen Hilton presented a draft moratorium ordinance on battery energy storage systems (BESS) to give the board more time to study community impacts; the board will refine the draft and expects to take action at its December meeting, when public hearings will be scheduled.
Chair Gwen Hilton presented a draft moratorium ordinance on battery energy storage systems (BESS) at the Starks Planning Board meeting on Nov. 5, 2025, saying the measure is intended to give the board additional time to research potential community impacts and regulatory responses.
The moratorium draft would pause new BESS permitting while the board studies fire safety risks, effects on community services and requirements for decommissioning, according to the draft presented to members. The board intends to make minor revisions to the draft and take up the item for formal approval at its December meeting, at which point any required public hearings will be scheduled.
Board members identified the town’s Site Plan Review Ordinance as the starting framework for addressing large-scale battery storage, noting that specific language will need to be added to target issues unique to BESS projects. The additions the board flagged include fire-safety provisions, assessment of impacts to emergency and utility services, and a decommissioning plan requirement for end-of-life facilities.
No formal vote on the moratorium was taken on Nov. 5. The board plans to continue drafting work and return the item to the agenda in December for further consideration and to set public hearings if the board authorizes them.
