Battery Energy Storage Systems Project

Project Overview

On July 17, 2024, the Board of Supervisors directed staff to create rules for privately initiated Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects in the unincorporated area. Links to related Board direction are available at the bottom of this page.

What We're Doing

In response to this direction, the County is taking steps to guide the safe and responsible growth of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). It is doing this by developing clear standards through a Zoning Ordinance amendment. These standards aim to:

Define what types of uses are allowed
Identify where facilities can be located
Reduce potential impacts on surrounding areas
Explore incentives for placing facilities in certain locations
Allow flexibility to support new and emerging technologies

Fire Safety

Additionally, County Fire completed a BESS Best Practices Report and Interim Fire Protection Guidelines for BESS Facilities. Learn more about fire standards for BESS projects.

Understanding Battery Energy Storage Systems

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What are Battery Energy Storage Systems?
A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is a technology designed to store electric energy for later use. It stores energy from the electrical grid, solar, and wind power.
What are the benefits of BESS?
BESS can reduce energy costs and provide backup electricity during power outages. BESS can store solar and wind power and deliver it when generation is low, such as during cloudy days. This helps balance the supply and demand of renewable energy.
How are BESS currently permitted?
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and California Energy Commission (CEC) permit BESS that are owned and operated by a public utility like San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). The CEC also permits larger projects participating in the Opt-In Certification Program(External link).

The County permits privately-developed BESS facilities that do not participate in the Opt-In Certification Program. The County does not currently have specific zoning standards for BESS. The BESS Zoning Ordinance Amendment will address this gap.
Will these new standards affect existing BESS facilities?
These standards would only affect new BESS facilities. Developers who submit applications for BESS facilities after the ordinance is adopted will have to follow the new standards.
How does BESS support the electricity grid?
BESS can increase flexibility of the grid, provide backup electricity during power outages, and reduce energy costs. This helps modernize energy infrastructure by enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the grid.