Photo via SRP
By Allison Kotzbauer | Independent Newsmedia
Battery energy storage systems must now be located at least 1,000 feet from residences in Mesa.
The Mesa City Council approved the regulation in a 6-1 vote on Jan. 12.
Battery energy storage systems capture and store electrical energy in rechargeable batteries for later use.
They help keep the electric grid reliable, especially when paired with solar and wind energy, but fires within battery energy storage systems can be extremely dangerous and difficult to control.
The new regulation has been heavily debated, with supporters arguing it is necessary to protect residential areas where residents may not be able to evacuate quickly, while opponents say it could hinder economic growth and development and that a shorter setback could provide comparable safety.
