New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on July 26 announced updates to the New York Fire Code that include draft code language to address the recommendations from the Governor’s Interagency Fire Safety Working Group. The draft code language includes updates and additions to improve coordination, safety and emergency preparedness in the planning of energy storage projects.
Hochul convened the Working Group in 2023 to ensure the safety and security of energy storage systems, following fire incidents at facilities in Jefferson, Orange and Suffolk Counties.
The Working Group was tasked with independently examining energy storage facility fires and safety standards and creating a draft Fire Code Recommendations Report.
Proposed recommendations include:
- Requiring industry-funded independent peer reviews for all battery energy storage system installations exceeding energy capacity thresholds established for lithium-ion batteries;
- Requiring that qualified personnel or representatives with knowledge of the BESS installation are available for dispatch within 15 minutes and able to arrive on scene within four hours to provide support to local emergency responders in the event of a BESS fire.
- Extending safety signage requirements beyond the BESS unit itself to include perimeter fences or security barriers and include a map of the site, BESS enclosures, and associated equipment.
- Removing the Fire Code exemption for BESS projects owned or operated by electrical utilities to ensure that all projects comply with the Fire Code.
- Including a requirement that every BESS facility is equipped with an Emergency Response Plan and requiring site-specific training to be offered for local fire departments to familiarize them with the project, hazards associated with BESS, and procedures outlined in the ERP.
- Including a Fire Code requirement in all BESS installations for monitoring of fire detection systems by a central station service alarm system to ensure timely, proper notification to the local fire department in the event of a fire alarm.
- Introducing a new provision in the Fire Code mandating regular industry-funded special inspections for BESS installations to ensure thorough safety and compliance.
The Working Group collaborated with national labs and other nation-leading subject matter experts to review all existing codes and testing procedures pertinent to the development and electrification of battery energy storage systems and create a draft Fire Code Recommendations Report.
In early 2024, NYSERDA requested public comment from subject matter experts and interested stakeholders to provide feedback on the Report. Comments were received, reviewed and incorporated where appropriate by the Working Group.
Interested parties are invited to submit comments relating to the draft code language through the Notice of Rule in Development process with the New York Department of State by September 24, 2024. View The Rule in Development.
View the final recommendations from The Working Group.
NYPA to Participate in Energy Storage Demonstration Using Fire-Safe Battery Technology
Hochul on July 24 announced that New York State will receive U.S. Department of Energy funding for a long-duration energy storage demonstration project that will use fire-safe battery technology.
The project will be developed by the New York Power Authority, Rockland County-based Urban Electric Power and the Electric Power Research Institute with an installation at Westchester County’s Grasslands Reservation in Valhalla and another at the State University of New York’s Oneonta campus.