Hill Country commission warns of battery storage fire and cybersecurity risks; urges regulatory action

A representative of the Hill Country Energy Subregional Planning Commission told the Kendall County Commissioners Court that rapidly expanding battery energy storage deployments in Texas raise distinct wildfire, toxic contamination and cyber‑security risks. Commissioner Rich Paces, appearing for the subregional body, summarized national incidents and local coordination efforts and urged legislative and regulatory attention.

“Battery energy storage systems are predominantly using lithium batteries, which have a history of instability, overheating, which leads to thermal runaway fires and explosions,” the presenter told the court, citing Moss Landing, California, and other incidents as examples that produced prolonged burning, toxic smoke and costly litigation. The presenter also described gaps in decommissioning rules for leased sites, expressed concern about missing cybersecurity attestations for dozens to hundreds of projects, and listed recent correspondence the commission has sent to LCRA, ERCOT and the PUCT requesting coordination and stronger oversight. Commissioners asked staff to continue coordinating regional actions and noted the court’s earlier adoption of local fire code measures to bolster fire‑safety protections around such facilities.

The Hill Country commission said it had filed an annual report with the state auditor and intends to press for legislative clarifications (the presenter cited House Bill language requiring fire safety standards and decommissioning mandates for some leased facilities). The county’s leaders discussed working with neighboring counties and state representatives on a regional approach ahead of the next legislative session.