Bill > S05208

This bill requires community boards in New York City to provide public notice and conduct annual safety inspections for battery energy storage systems (BESS). The bill defines BESS as devices capable of storing electrical energy for future use, categorizing them into two tiers: tier one systems have less than or equal to 600 kilowatt hours of capacity and use a single storage technology, while tier two systems have greater than 600 kilowatt hours or multiple storage technologies. The legislation mandates that detailed notices about planned BESS installations, including safety features, must be provided to the relevant community board in areas with a population of one million or more. Operators of BESS in such cities must comply with community board requirements for notice and inspection, which includes informing residents about planned installations and conducting annual safety assessments. The bill specifically includes various types of battery systems, with a particular focus on those using lithium-ion batteries, and aims to enhance community awareness and oversight of energy storage infrastructure. The new requirements will apply to BESS of any scale and storage capacity, ensuring comprehensive community engagement in the siting and monitoring of these energy storage systems.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5208