Subregional panel warns commissioners about battery storage safety, fire and cybersecurity risks

A regional planning commission presented a detailed warning to the Kendall County Commissioners Court on April 14 about safety and security risks tied to large battery energy storage systems.

The Hill Country Energy Subregional Planning Commission representative told the court that lithium‑ion battery facilities can overheat, experience thermal runaway and emit toxic gases, citing the Moss Landing incidents in California. "The risks of these things far outweigh any benefit associated with best power stabilization," the presenter said, arguing that rural volunteer fire departments lack foam and other resources to fight such fires.

The presenter outlined other concerns: proximity of facilities to substations and communities, limited local economic benefit, rapid reignition of burned batteries during cleanup, and environmental contamination of surface and groundwater. He also raised cybersecurity issues tied to foreign‑manufactured control equipment and noted that hundreds of required attestations about critical‑equipment sourcing are missing from ERCOT's records.

Commissioners and the presenter discussed regulatory gaps. The presenter summarized recent outreach to state agencies and utilities and said the commission is pursuing legislative changes and further coordination with state cyber command and regulators. He recommended contingency planning for emergency response and urged county officials to press for clearer state standards and decommissioning requirements for leased sites.

The court asked staff and the presenter to continue coordinating with neighboring counties and state officials and to report back on feasible local code changes and model language the court could consider. No formal local ban or ordinance was adopted at the meeting; commissioners directed staff to follow up with additional research and possible draft language for future action.