San Diego County may soon establish new regulations for energy storage facilities. Documenter Melina Jimenez sat in on a presentation at the latest meeting for the Sweetwater Community Planning Group.
The battery energy storage systems, or BESS, use rechargeable batteries to store excess electricity, mostly from the electric grid, solar panels or wind turbines. They are a tool used to help with reliable energy, though communities nationwide have raised concerns about fire risks, water and air contamination and impacts on property values.
A county proposal aims to set zoning, safety, development and decommissioning standards for storage facilities in unincorporated San Diego. The item will come before the Board of Supervisors for consideration next year.
ā Written by Brisa Karow, Documenter and freelance reporter