Last fall PRN and our Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition partners celebrated the passage of the Clean & Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA), Illinois’ bold response to federal clean energy rollbacks and a critical first step to address the ongoing energy affordability crisis. On June 1, 2026, the CRGA Act took effect and one of the bill’s key provisions, creating state incentives for new utility-scale energy storage projects, is already raising interest from developers and questions from communities. In particular, local leaders are racing to better understand utility-scale battery storage, including siting guidelines, planning considerations, and current safety regulations.
The Resilient Communities Webinar Series, co-hosted by Prairie Rivers Network and University of Illinois Extension, recently invited speakers Upasana Roy (Land Use and Energy Planner at the Great Plains Institute) and Captain Richard Birt (founder of Solar And Fire Education [S.A.F.E.]), to explore planning, land use, and safety considerations around battery energy storage systems, or BESS. In this post, we’ll cover the basics and benefits of BESS, and summarize what we learned from both speakers. Watch the full webinar on YouTube.
Battery Energy Storage Systems Basics and Benefits
BESS projects use batteries for the storage of electricity so it can be used later when needed. The batteries may absorb energy from the electric grid or from generation sources, such as wind or solar. BESS projects can be deployed at different scales, including behind-the-meter systems connected to homes or businesses versus utility-scale projects that are connected directly to the electric grid. Typical utility-scale BESS projects use modular containers arranged in rows on concrete pads with air cooling units often attached. BESS projects are vital components of Illinois’ race to a clean and reliable future as they allow power to be stored for peak times reducing the cost of electricity to consumers. Along with grid reliability, these battery storage systems provide grid stability, providing backup power in times of outages. Batteries also allow communities to get the most out of their renewable energy developments by storing solar power generated during the day for use in the evening or for backup when the wind turbines aren’t spinning.
Planning and Permitting for BESS – Upasana Roy, Great Plains Institute
Upasana Roy’s presentation focused on land use considerations, specifically related to regulatory and permitting requirements. She mentioned that these requirements could be adapted from existing land use frameworks applied to fuel depots, propane tanks, and agricultural chemicals. Upasana identified high-level battery storage considerations, which focus on setbacks, fire safety access, noise limits, drainage, and screening. She shared how battery storage projects must also comply with strict National Electrical Codes, such as the National Fire Protection Association’s standards outlined in NFPA 855 for fire safety and the UL9540/9540A for system-level safety and thermal runaway testing.
Upasana also addressed environmental concerns, noting that while under normal operating conditions, BESS do not pose a greater risk of soil or groundwater contamination than many other permitted land uses. However, in the event of a fire, suppression methods can lead to contaminants becoming runoff. Radiant heat from thermal runways can also be a concern for adjacent vegetation or structures. She suggested county leaders should address these risks through site design, containment, and emergency planning.
BESS Fire Response & Training – Captain Richard Birt, Solar and Fire Education
Captain Richard Birt, the founder of Solar And Fire Education (S.A.F.E.), and a decorated 30-year veteran of the fire service, shared how he works with fire stations across the country to build knowledge and understanding around how photovoltaics and lithium-ion battery systems behave under fire conditions. His training programs focus on real scenarios, practical decision making, and standard operating guidelines tailored specifically for fire districts to help them build response plans around their local infrastructure.
While BESS manufacturers use multiple layers of safety design to prevent thermal runaway, systems do sometimes fail. Due to the nature of battery storage systems, water fire suppression is not recommended as it increases the risk of contamination runoff and is not effective in extinguishing battery fires. Captain Birt shared the standard firefighting approach for BESS, which is defensive and containment-focused, allowing the fire to burn out while protecting surrounding areas and communities. He reflected on the unique chemistry within these lithium-ion batteries and encouraged viewers to do a home audit of all the lithium-ion batteries within their homes. While thermal runaway is a concern for any device containing a lithium-ion battery, Captain Birt explained that the power tools, e-bikes, and even laptops within our own homes pose a greater risk than strictly regulated large-scale battery storage facilities.
What to do if your community is hosting a BESS
Large-scale battery storage facilities are an important component of Illinois’ transition to a clean energy future, reducing peak capacity pricing and providing life-saving grid reliability.
Community leaders should prepare by ensuring that local fire protection agencies are receiving BESS fire safety training. County planning committees should ensure transparent community engagement and share the required emergency response plan. Local fire and emergency response agencies, as well as municipalities and counties, should involve clean energy developers in their conversations about safety equipment and training needs.
What else should you know about the CRGA Act
As described above, the CRGA Act created new state incentives for new utility-scale energy storage projects. This incentive program will be carried out by the Illinois Power Agency through a competitive procurement. In addition to these utility scale incentives, the CRGA Act also directed the IPA to evaluate the potential for an Illinois Storage for All program to encourage the development of energy storage projects co-located with solar projects developed under Illinois’ low-income Solar for All program. To receive updates on the new Illinois Storage For All program you can sign up here. The CRGA Act expands energy efficiency (EE) programs that help households cut energy waste, and it also creates a virtual power plant program (VPP). These EE and VPP programs will be carried out by your electric utility, so watch for new energy savings programs from Ameren and ComEd. And, finally, if you are a rural electric cooperative customer, you can look for upcoming ways to engage with your co-op on energy planning, another new benefit of the CRGA Act!
