New York State Battery Energy Storage System Guidebook
The Battery Energy Storage System Guidebook contains information, tools, and step-by-step instructions to support local governments managing battery energy storage system development in their communities. The Guidebook provides local officials with in-depth details about the permitting and inspection process to ensure efficiency, transparency, and safety in their communities.
You can download the full Energy Storage Guidebook [PDF] or access individual chapters below.
Energy storage technologies and systems are regulated at the federal, state, and local levels, and must undergo rigorous safety testing to be authorized for installation in New York.
On July 28, 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the creation of a new Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group to ensure the safety and security of energy storage systems across the state. Updates and resources can be found on the Working Group’s webpage. On December 21, 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul released initial findings from the Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group, which was convened following fires at battery energy storage systems at facilities in Jefferson, Orange and Suffolk Counties this summer.
You can download NYSERDA’s New York State [PDF] and New York City [PDF] factsheets to learn more about energy storage regulations and safety in your community.
The Trainings for Local Governments page offers additional resources including recordings and materials from NYSERDA’s battery energy storage system trainings.
Battery Energy Storage System Model Law
The Model Law is intended to help local government officials and AHJs adopt legislations and regulations to responsibly accommodate battery energy storage systems in their communities. The Model Law lays out procedural frameworks and substantive requirements for residential, commercial, and utility-scale battery energy storage systems.
Tools
Battery Energy Storage System Model Permit
The Model Permit is intended to help local government officials and AHJs establish the minimum submittal requirements for electrical and structural plan review that are necessary when permitting residential and small commercial battery energy storage systems.
Tools
Battery Energy Storage System Electrical Checklist
The Inspection Checklist is intended to be utilized as a guideline for field inspections of residential and small commercial battery energy storage systems. It can be used directly by local code enforcement officers or provided to a third-party inspection agency, where applicable.
Tools
2020 New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building
The New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (Uniform Code) prescribes mandatory statewide minimum standards for building construction and fire prevention. In 2020, the Uniform Code was amended to include the latest safety considerations for energy storage systems.