One of the pieces of legislation presented to the Science and Technology Committee on Jan 22, 2026 was requesting a six-month moratorium on Battery Energy Storage Systems (“BESS”) in Troy. As soon as the Mayor released that statement to the press on January 8th, I got to work learning about these systems, the safety of them, the potential benefits for Troy, and the potential downside.
Let me tell you, I didn’t expect my first City Council project to take me so deep into the world of batteries.
To start, let’s go over what a BESS system is. Think of a Battery Energy Storage System like a reservoir for electricity. Like rain filling a reservoir, the battery absorbs excess energy from the grid when demand is low and stores it safely as a reserve. The batteries will then discharge power back into the grid when Troy needs it most, like during peak times in the summer when everyone has ACs running.
The batteries are stored in what look like fancy shipping containers that have the batteries, 24/7 monitoring tools, and advanced fire containment architecture like steel barriers to keep each battery unit safely separated.
Why should you care?
- BESS systems save residents in the city they are in (hopefully Troy) money on electric bills. We have all seen the prices go up lately and it would be great if Troy could better support affordable electric.
- Better for the environment – these systems decrease reliance on fossil fuels, and support renewable energy integration.
- Improves reliability of the electrical grid – New York’s electric grid is aging and the BESS system can reduce the strain on it while preventing brown and black outs.
After reviewing how several other municipalities handled these changes, meeting with one of the developers, researching BESS in general, reviewing input from residents who have expertise, and holding a Science and Tech Subcommittee meeting at which the Council was able to inquire with heads of the Fire Department, Code, and the Administration, the council passed the Ordinance for a 6 month moratorium for BESS projects with required check ins every 2 months on progress of Troy in the preparations needed. I am in contact with the Troy Firefighters to address the main concern that was presented at the meeting – not enough staffing to support such a change. I am hopeful there can be a solution reached between the developer(s), Firefighters, and the Administration so that Troy can safely participate in these opportunities.
Some background on BESS in NY is below as the state has championed using this power source:
- There are over 7,000 completed battery projects in NY as of Nov 2025 (source)
- On July 25, 2025, the State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council adopted updated energy storage safety codes, informed by the Working Group’s recommendations developed in collaboration with FDNY, state agencies, and national experts. This new code went into effect on Jan 1, 2026.
- Projects undergo independent third-party review by nationally recognized experts to ensure full compliance with New York’s strict codes and regulations.
- NY State provides free training to every relevant department in a municipality to help them prepare for a BESS project, including fire departments, planning, and code.
Please reach out if you have any questions, comments, concerns, or just want more information on these types of projects!