The City is requesting proposals from qualified consultants for work consisting of preparing, in collaboration with the City, recommendations for appropriate regulations concerning battery energy storage systems (“BESS”) within the City as described more fully herein. More broadly, the City is seeking a qualified consulting firm to conduct a comprehensive study and develop recommendations that will allow for the use and regulation of BESS within the City in accordance with best practices and applicable laws and regulations. The study and recommendations will guide the City in implementing appropriate regulations that allow the implementation of BESS in a manner that ensures and safeguards public safety, land use, and environmental objectives.
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In July 2024, the City established a temporary moratorium on BESS within the City. The purpose of the moratorium is to provide adequate time to prepare recommendations for appropriate regulations concerning BESS within the City. The moratorium is for a period of 180 days, which may be extended for an additional 180 days by the City Council under certain circumstances. A copy of the City Council General Ordinance establishing the moratorium is attached hereto as Appendix A – Moratorium General Ordinance.
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BESS are critical components of modern energy infrastructure, enabling the integration of renewable energy sources and enhancing grid reliability. The rapid growth in renewable energy generation and emerging technologies necessitates clear, updated zoning regulations to facilitate the responsible deployment of BESS facilities. To support municipalities, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (“NYSERDA”) developed a Model Ordinance for Energy Storage Systems, which provides a framework for local governments to regulate BESS installations safely and effectively. This RFP seeks to implement a zoning framework aligned with the NYSERDA Model Ordinance while addressing the specific needs of the City.
