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Revere City council approves pilot battery storage project amid funding and safety questions
Summary
The Revere City Council approved proposal 26132 to pilot a community battery storage system after public comment and council discussion about training, safety, and funding. Speakers requested vendor briefings and clarity on long-term taxpayer exposure.
The Revere City Council approved a pilot battery storage program, proposal 26132, after a multi-hour discussion that included fire department input, public comment and questions about funding and community safeguards.
The pilot drew praise and questions from residents and workers. "Yo soy parte de departamento de fuego," said the unnamed captain from the fire department, describing training his team received and noting departments in other jurisdictions had adapted outdoor battery systems. Teacher William Johnson said residents and local institutions should be kept informed: "Me llamo William Johnson. Yo soy uno de los maestros de las escuelas de este pueblo." Electrician Michael Morgan added technical support for testing batteries as part of future electric-vehicle charging planning: "Si tenemos baterías para poder... cargar, por ejemplo, carros." Resident Bruce said he supports using the site to store energy.
Council members pressed for written guarantees on how program costs would be managed. Councilors discussed a program-scale funding figure mentioned in public remarks—"20 millones de dólares"—and a stated allocation of $600,000 to the fire department for equipment and a stated training amount of $25,000. One councilor asked for the specific language that would limit long-term taxpayer liability, asking officials to spell out whether costs would create multi-decade obligations.
Councilors requested a presentation from the vendor Flat Iron so residents could review safety, siting and disposal plans before contracts are finalized. Several speakers specifically asked for community sessions in multiple languages and public distribution of vendor materials.
After discussion of training, siting near homes and budget language, the council signaled approval of the pilot. The council also approved the city spending plan for fiscal year 2027 during the same meeting.
Next steps identified by the council included arranging a Flat Iron presentation for the public, adding written language clarifying the allocation and duration of taxpayer obligations, and ensuring the fire department’s training and equipment commitments are documented. The council said it would provide more public outreach before final contract execution.
