Monterey County Hosts Community Meeting on Battery Energy Storage System Ordinance Development

Monterey County's Housing and Community Development Department initiated community meetings to gather input for a Battery Energy Storage System ordinance. The first meeting was held on March 18 in Prunedale, attended by around 40 residents and local officials. The ordinance aims to regulate BESS facilities in unincorporated areas and will be formed with community feedback. The County plans to adopt the ordinance by year's end, establishing policies for oversight and safety standards, while consulting existing regulations from other California jurisdictions.

Published Mar 24, 2026

Monterey County's Housing and Community Development Department started community meetings to develop an ordinance regulating Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facilities. The first meeting occurred on March 18 in Prunedale, gathering about 40 attendees, including local officials.

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The ordinance will be created iteratively, beginning with a legal and technical foundation, and will incorporate community feedback. The County aims to adopt the ordinance by the end of the year, outlining policies for oversight and safety standards. Various state and regional agencies will be involved in the process, referencing existing BESS regulations from other California counties.