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GCI Energy plans to establish a 100 megawatt battery energy storage facility in Brighton, NY, capable of powering approximately 100,000 homes. A public hearing on the project is set to continue on Tuesday.

The proposed site, located near Lynch Woods Nature Park, spans 18 acres and is strategically positioned near two major transmission lines. GCI aims to use about five acres, offering the town in-lieu-of-tax payments and a one-time cash payment of $250,000.

If approved, funds would support local park and trail projects. The facility would charge batteries at night and sell energy back to the grid during peak hours. Concerns regarding noise, fire risks, and environmental impacts have emerged, particularly following recent battery fires in other New York locations.

GCI plans to provide training for local emergency responders as a safety measure. New York has a target of 6 gigawatts of energy storage by 2030 to enhance grid reliability.