Battery energy storage systems
Public comment period open until Oct. 1, 2026
We are accepting comments from Sept. 1 at noon through Oct. 1 at 11:59 p.m. Comment on the scoping document using one of the following options:
- Use this form to submit comments online. Este formulario de comentarios está disponible en español.
- Attend the Sept. 15, 2026, at 9 a.m. virtual meeting (Información en español)
- Attend the Sept. 23, 2026, at 1 p.m. virtual meeting (Información en español)
The format of the two meetings will be the same, so it is not necessary to attend both. At each meeting, verbal comments will be accepted after a brief presentation (las diapositivas de la presentación).
We are studying the potential negative impacts of stand-alone, utility-scale battery energy storage systems in Washington — including ways to avoid, reduce or mitigate impacts. The study will not review specific projects, but it lays the foundation for future project-level environmental reviews.
Constable, a PGE-owned facility located in Oregon
What are battery energy storage systems?
Battery energy storage systems, or 'BESS,' use large, rechargeable batteries to store extra energy. They release energy when there is high demand or when power generation slows down. This helps support the state’s electrical grid and they can also be used to provide emergency power. Battery energy storage systems can also store extra energy from solar and wind projects, which don’t generate power all the time.
Concerns about battery storage
Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type for battery storage. We have heard that communities, Tribes, and local governments have raised concerns about them.
Our 2025 studies found that batteries located with solar or wind facilities could have impacts. These include hazardous air emission risks for emergency responders if a battery is damaged or fails, higher noise levels, increased wildfire danger, and limited access for fire response in remote locations. The studies also identified ways to reduce these risks, such as having appropriate firefighting equipment and providing training for local emergency responders.
This study will use best available science to look at potential impacts, reduce risk and help guide where future projects should be located. For more information about battery energy storage safety, visit Commerce’s Energy Resilience and Emergency Management webpage. The EPA also has information about battery installation safety and incident response.
What will we study?
We are studying the impacts of stand-alone, utility-scale battery energy storage systems — large battery facilities that are not located with other projects.
This study is a broad planning document. It will look at potential environmental impacts and ways to avoid, reduce or mitigate them. It will also identify gaps in areas such as in regulations, state code, or for emergency response.
Future projects can use this information but will still need their own individual environmental reviews. Our goal is to develop a useful, timely resource for developers, Tribes, agencies, and communities.
Timeline
The study consists of three phases:
- Scoping: Public review and comment period
- Developing the draft: Public review and comment period
- Finalizing: Considering comments and publishing the document
We plan to complete the draft study by June 30, 2027, and release the final document in 2028.
Scoping (current phase)
Scoping is the first step in developing the study. The purpose is to seek input on the environmental issues that should be studied. We released a scoping document with a brief overview of stand-alone, utility-scale battery energy storage system development in Washington state. The document also has initial information about potential impacts. We are accepting public comments through Oct. 1 at 11:59pm.
This page will be updated with future public involvement opportunities.
Contact information
Clean Energy Coordination
cleanenergy@ecy.wa.gov
(360) 407-6600