A proposed code that would regulate the siting and operation of battery energy storage systems in the Town of Riverhead got its first public hearing Tuesday night at Town Hall.
The systems store energy for distribution at a later time. They are typically developed to increase the effectiveness of renewable energy production such as solar energy facilities. The systems allow energy from renewables, like solar and wind, to be stored and then released later to meet customer demand.
Currently, the town code does not regulate the siting and operation of the systems, a relatively new technology that makes utility-scale renewable energy more feasible.
“There is no zoning for this right now. It’s not a permitted use,” Town Attorney Erik Howard explained during the hearing. This is draft legislation… that regulates it as a use and designates what zoning use districts within the town…
Proposed battery energy storage code draws questions, criticism at public hearing
