California’s Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has proposed new safety measures for battery energy storage facilities following a recent fire at the Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility. The CPUC aims to enhance the safety of these facilities, which are crucial for sustainable energy production.
The proposal includes implementing Senate Bill 1383, which requires standards for maintenance and operation of electricity storage facilities owned by an electrical corporation or located in the state. The CPUC will also increase oversight of emergency response action plans for battery storage facilities under Senate Bill 38.
The fire at Moss Landing, which damaged almost half of the facility, prompted an evacuation order, road closures, and environmental monitoring. While no injuries or fatalities were reported, it was described as a “wake-up call” for the industry to prioritize safety.
The CPUC’s Safety and Enforcement Division has initiated an investigation into the incident, requesting information and updates from Vistra Energy, the facility’s owner. The proposal is a modification to existing General Order 167, which governs electric generation facilities in California.
Assemblywoman Dawn Addis has introduced Assembly Bill 303, the “Battery Energy Safety & Accountability Act,” which proposes stricter regulations for large-scale battery energy storage systems. The bill would require facilities of 200MWh capacity or more to be located at least 3,200 feet away from sensitive receptors and prohibited from construction in environmentally sensitive sites.
The proposal and new legislation aim to mitigate risks associated with battery energy storage facilities and ensure public safety. The CPUC is set to vote on the proposal on March 13, 2025.
Source: https://www.energy-storage.news/california-regulator-issues-battery-storage-safety-proposal-begins-moss-landing-fire-investigation