More Than 200 Leaders Gather for Westchester Battery Energy Storage Systems Conference

The Business Council of Westchester (BCW), in partnership with Westchester County and regional energy and industry organizations, successfully hosted the Westchester Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Conference on Monday, October 19, at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.

The free, half-day conference brought together more than 200 municipal leaders, elected officials, public safety professionals, emergency responders and industry experts to discuss the growing role of battery energy storage systems in Westchester’s clean energy future.

As New York State advances its clean energy goals, battery energy storage systems are becoming increasingly important in strengthening grid reliability and supporting renewable energy integration. The conference provided municipal officials and stakeholders with practical guidance on the technical, legal, regulatory and public safety considerations surrounding these emerging technologies.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, who delivered opening remarks alongside Noam Bramson, Executive Vice President of the Business Council of Westchester, emphasized the importance of collaboration, education and public safety in navigating the region’s evolving energy needs.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins opened remarks with this thought: “Battery energy storage systems are becoming an important part of our energy infrastructure, but we also recognize the concerns surrounding public safety, emergency preparedness and local regulations. That is why bringing municipal leaders, first responders and industry experts together for conversations like this is so important. I want to thank the Business Council of Westchester and all our partners for helping us provide municipalities with the tools and resources they need to navigate these issues. Our goal is to support responsible energy development while making sure the safety of Westchester residents remains our top priority.”

“As Westchester advances its clean energy future, it is essential that municipalities, businesses and industry leaders have the information and resources needed to make informed decisions,” said Bramson. “Through continued collaboration, we can advance responsible energy solutions that benefit our communities and strengthen our regional economy.”

Throughout the morning, attendees participated in four informative sessions covering New York State energy policy and BESS technology, public safety and emergency preparedness, municipal perspectives on local regulations, and the evolving legal landscape surrounding battery storage development.

Expert speakers from NYSERDA, Energy Safety Response Group, the Orange County HazMat Team, local municipalities, Pace University’s Land Use Law Center and Pace Energy and Climate Center, and Cuddy & Feder LLP shared insights and resources to help communities navigate battery storage projects safely and effectively.

The conference concluded with remarks from Ron Kamen, Director of BCW’s Clean Energy Action Coalition (CEAC), and Leo Wiegman, Director of Energy Systems at Sustainable Westchester, who highlighted the importance of continued education and municipal collaboration.

“Through the Clean Energy Action Coalition, we remain committed to connecting municipalities and businesses with the knowledge, resources and partnerships needed to advance safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable energy solutions throughout Westchester,” said Kamen.

The conference represented a collaborative effort among Westchester County, BCW’s Clean Energy Action Coalition, Sustainable Westchester, the Building & Realty Institute of the Hudson Valley, Cuddy & Feder LLP, Pace University’s Land Use Law Center, NY-BEST, the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, NYSERDA and the Pace Energy and Climate Center.

The BCW extends its appreciation to all speakers, partners and attendees who contributed to the success of this important regional conversation.

Continuing the Conversation

Through its Clean Energy Action Coalition, the BCW remains committed to advancing education, partnerships and informed policymaking that support a cleaner, more affordable and reliable energy future for Westchester.

Municipal leaders, businesses and community stakeholders are encouraged to explore the CEAC Dashboard for additional information about the coalition and its ongoing clean energy initiatives.