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Board adopts temporary limits on large battery storage after public safety, flood-zone concerns
Summary
The Village of Mamaroneck unanimously adopted PLLG of 2026, imposing restrictions on larger battery energy storage facilities amid trustee concern about flood risk and volunteer fire-department capacity; residents and an energy specialist urged more nuanced, technical rules instead of a broad ban.
The Village of Mamaroneck Board of Trustees voted unanimously April 27 to adopt PLLG of 2026, a local law that restricts placement and size of certain battery energy storage systems in the village. Trustees said the action aims to protect residents in areas prone to flooding and to account for the limitations of a volunteer fire department.
At the meeting, Trustee Nora (S2) said the village had received a consultant report from AKRF and that tier definitions for facilities vary widely, making a cautious, protective approach appropriate for Mamaroneck’s geography. "We cannot put these in places that flood," Nora said, adding the board can revisit standards as technology and experience evolve.
Several residents urged the board to take a more technical approach. Kelly O'Keefe (S15), a clean-energy professional who said she was speaking as a resident, warned that an "indiscriminate ban on best systems greater than 80 kilowatt hours is a grave mistake," citing grid reliability, affordability benefits and recent New York State fire-code updates. "There are many technical resources available ... to craft policies that protect our community while supporting energy infrastructure," O'Keefe said.
Other residents and trustees cited safety and flood risk as the primary drivers of the measure. Trustee Maria (S3) said she preferred erring on the side of caution and that regulations could be amended later.
The board directed staff to file the adopted local law with the New York State Secretary of State; trustees said the law will become effective upon filing. No amendments were adopted at the meeting, and trustees said they expect to revisit the law if future evidence or technology warrants changes.
What happens next: The local law will be filed with the Secretary of State and become effective when filed. Trustees indicated they will monitor technological and regulatory developments and consider amendments if warranted.
