Navigating the Path to “YES” on Battery Storage in Westchester
The Business Council of Westchester’s Clean Energy Action Coalition (CEAC) and other green energy leaders recently gathered at the Teatown Lake Reservation Carriage House in Ossining to educate municipal leaders and residents about the future of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
One of the featured speakers, CEAC Program Director Ron Kamen, delivered a compelling roadmap for integrating these vital systems into the local landscape.
A Formula for Durable Approval
Kamen emphasized that for Westchester to transition to a reliable, affordable, and sustainable power system, municipal leaders must move from skepticism to informed support. He introduced a structured Formula for YES created by Dean Gallea of the Tarrytown Environmental Advisory Council:
- Education + Clear Zoning + Independent Review + Fire Coordination + Financial Clarity + Transparent Process = Durable Approval.
This framework aims to demystify BESS, which stores electricity for use during peak demand, reducing reliance on high emission “peaker plants.” Speakers noted that the “cheapest energy is that which we don’t use,” but when we do, New York’s legacy hydropower remains the lowest cost source of ANY type of electricity.
Addressing Public Safety and Concerns
A significant portion of the evening addressed the Top 10 Public Concerns, ranging from fire risks to environmental impacts. The event’s Effective Communication Principles urged leaders to:
- Lead with safety and visible engagement with fire officials.
- Use third-party validation to separate scientific facts from worst-case speculation.
- Maintain transparency to build community trust throughout the siting process.
The event concluded with a briefing for legislators, highlighting that BESS is not just an environmental choice, but a necessity for grid Reliability, Affordability, and Sustainability. As Westchester eyes a greener future, the session’s roadmap provided the practical tools needed to balance innovation with community safety.
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