The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) took action today (Jan 27) to enhance the safety of battery energy storage facilities, and their related emergency response plans, by issuing a proposal that, if approved, would, among other things: 1) implement Senate Bill (SB) 1383 to establish new standards for the maintenance and operation of battery energy storage facilities, and 2) increase oversight over emergency response action plans for battery energy storage facilities. If approved, the proposal will enhance the safety of battery energy storage facilities, which play a crucial role in California's transition away from fossil fuels. Concurrently, CPUC staff is investigating the recent fire at the Vistra battery energy storage facility.
The proposal modifies General Order 167, which currently provides a method to implement and enforce maintenance and operation standards for electric generating facilities. The proposal adds new safety standards specifically for the maintenance and operation of battery energy storage systems, as required by SB 1383. The proposal also makes explicit that the CPUC requires battery storage facility owners to develop emergency response and emergency action plans, as required by SB 38. In addition, the proposal makes other technical updates to the standards to improve safety, reliability, and effectiveness of operation and maintenance activities, such as establishing technical logbook standards for battery storage systems, and expanding requirements for emergency plans that relate to all electric generating facilities.
The proposal issued today will be on the CPUC's March 13, 2025 Voting Meeting agenda.
CPUC Staff Investigation of Vistra Battery Energy Storage Facility
The CPUC has initiated its investigation of Vistra's battery energy storage facility in Moss Landing as a result of the incident on January 16. The CPUC's Safety and Enforcement Division (SED) promptly began its investigation, requesting information and updates and maintaining communication with Vistra. On January 22, SED staff conducted an initial site visit as a part of its ongoing investigation.
Growth and Maturation of Battery Storage in California
Over the past several years, the deployment of battery storage systems has grown significantly throughout California, growing from 500 megawatts (MW) in 2019 to over 13,300 MW statewide in 2024. Likewise, battery storage system technologies and standards have also matured over time. Battery storage systems are one of the key technologies California relies on to enhance reliability and reduce dependency on polluting fossil fuel plants. Battery storage systems soak up clean energy in the daytime when the sun is shining, store that electricity, and then export it to the grid in the evening hours when the sun is down.
In 2024, California made historic progress in clean energy deployment. The state brought more than 7,000 MW online the largest amount in a single year in California's history. This includes over 4,000 MW of new battery storage.
California's current installed battery storage capacity is over 20 percent of California's peak demand. The state's projected need for battery storage capacity is estimated at 52,000 MW by 2045.
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About the California Public Utilities Commission
The CPUC regulates services and utilities, protects consumers, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services. Visit www.cpuc.ca.gov for more information.
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505 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco California
United States 94102
www.cpuc.ca.gov
