Bedford Considers Moratorium On Battery Storage Facilities

BEDFORD, NY — The Bedford town board will hold a public hearing Aug. 13 to consider imposing a six-month moratorium on the review and approval of applications and issuance of permits for battery energy storage.

"While the Town of Bedford recognizes that Battery Energy Storage Systems (“BESS”) are a key component to the viability and promotion of renewable energy sources, since the technology of these systems is still in its infancy, there is a significant amount of recent public concern about the potentially volatile nature of lithium-ion batteries, which stems from fires at three different BESS facilities in the State of New York beginning in May 2023," the trustees said in a memorandum.

Battery energy storage systems are designed to enable energy to be stored and then released when power is needed most. Battery-stored energy can be released during times of high customer demand, such as hot summer evenings or colder winter nights. Lithium-ion battery storage systems are popular, though concerns about fires are widespread.

Initial recommendations from New York State's Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group, released in February, increased town officials' concerns about best practices for fire suppression and emergency response, ensuring the technology and availability of equipment necessary for local fire departments should a fire occur, precautions to take related to gas emissions and deterring any necessary fire suppression chemicals from impacting groundwater, and the adequacy of location and other standards for siting of BESS.

Copies of the proposed law are available here:

1. Bedford - BESS Moratorium - Local Law (4862-5374-1264.1) (002).docx
2. Memorandum - Local Law - Moratorium on BESS (Revised 7-12-24).pdf

The public will have an opportunity to observe and listen to the meeting live and provide comments either by appearing in person at the above address or by videoconference or teleconference via the Zoom meeting website at https://zoom.us/j/ and clicking on “Join a Meeting”, and enter meeting ID: 867 98 9653 (Passcode 0115321) . You can also call in to the ZOOM meeting at +1 646 558 8656 when prompted, enter 867 918 9653 (Passcode 0115321).

All persons are invited to attend the public hearing and present their views regarding the proposed new law.

• WHEN: 6 p.m. Aug. 13
• WHERE: Bedford Town House, 321 Bedford Road, Bedford Hills, New York

SEE ALSO: Moratorium On Battery Storage Systems Pitched By Southhold