San Benito County Enacts Moratorium on New Energy Storage Projects Post-Moss Landing Fire
San Benito County has implemented a 45-day moratorium on large-scale energy storage projects following the Moss Landing fire incident. The Allium Solar and Energy Storage System Project proposed by Longroad Energy plans to generate 110 MW of solar power and includes a 15-acre battery storage system.
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In response to the Moss Landing fire that destroyed a 300 MW BESS in January 2025, San Benito County's Board of Supervisors voted on March 10, 2026, to impose a 45-day moratorium on new large-scale energy storage projects. The Allium Solar and Energy Storage System Project aims to generate 110 MW of solar power and features a BESS capable of storing 440 megawatt-hours.
The facility is to be connected to the grid via a transmission line to PG&E's Crazy Horse Canyon Switching Station, supporting at least 70,000 households. Following the Moss Landing incident, California has enacted laws requiring adherence to updated fire safety standards, and the industry is shifting towards safer battery technologies. The moratorium allows the county to establish safety standards and assess emergency response capabilities, reflecting heightened public concern over BESS facility safety.
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