Energy storage facility plan raises concerns
Select Board members listened to a presentation on a proposed energy storage facility. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
Select Board members listened to a presentation on a proposed energy storage facility. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
MIDDLEBORO -- Residents have expressed mixed reactions to a proposed battery energy storage system on Jericho Road that Middleboro Gas and Electric representatives say will reduce utility costs to residents.
Boston-based Kearsage Energy hopes to build a battery energy storage system that uses rechargeable batteries to store electricity and release it when needed.
This system would result in $10 million in savings over 20 years for customers of Middleboro Gas and Electric, the company’s general manager, Ken Stone, said.
The battery system charges overnight and discharges during high-demand periods. This results in savings, company representatives said, because the system is used during high-demand periods such as afternoons and evenings, which is the time of day used to set utility rates.
Kearsage owns several such facilities across the state. The company discussed the project at a recent Select Board meeting.
While some residents support the project, noting its cost savings and use of clean energy, others raised question about safety and other concerns.
Planning Board member Nancy Kefalis said she would like to see information about potential environmental impact.
Conservation Agent Patricia Cassady said the project is located outside the buffer zone to wetlands But she said, “it seems maybe you need more information about the chemicals involved. I’m always concerned about things that could impact the environment and the wetlands.’’
Alan Melchior of Sustainable Middleboro, a group focused on lowering energy costs, noted that “these facilities are going to be part of our future.’’ These systems, he said, have “more benefits’’ than disadvantages, he said.
Kimberly French , also a member of Sustainable Middleboro, said she would prefer that Middleboro Gas and Electric oversee the system themselves rather than relying on an outside company. But she said that her group has advocated for something like this for years.
Resident Matt Phillips said that safety issues have to be paramount.
“What are the actual risks?’’ resident Kristen Szadis asked. “What’s going to happen if they fail? We need to know more before we just agree to it. ‘’
She said she would rather pay more on her utility bill than worry about her children’s safety.
No decision has been made yet on the project.
