OPINION — The city of Surprise is developing an ordinance to regulate Battery Energy Storage Systems, commonly known as BESS. This is an important decision because energy storage will become an increasingly important part of the infrastructure needed to support Arizona’s continued growth.
Surprise’s Planning and Zoning Commission has voted twice to recommend a 100-foot setback for BESS facilities. In June, the City Council also heard from numerous experts who discussed the technology, safety standards and appropriate setbacks. The council should listen to those recommendations and approve the 100-foot setback.
There is understandable concern whenever new technology comes into our communities, particularly when people hear about lithium-ion battery fires. But we should put those risks into perspective.
