Islip Town Hall West conducted a public hearing on Tuesday evening, Sept. 15, regarding amendments to chapter 68 of the town code related to Tier 3 battery energy storage systems, specifically voting on not permitting them in the town and continuing the moratorium previously enacted. This would determine the fate of the 79-megawatt lithium battery project, a storage facility intended to be constructed at 220 Rabro Drive in Hauppauge, ideally serving as a source of clean energy and balancing the costs of utilities.

Among the elected officials who appeared included Town Supervisor Angie M. Carpenter (R), alongside board members Jorge Guadron (D), John M. Lorenzo (R), Michael McElwee Jr. (R) and DawnMarie D. Kuhn (R).

Islip’s Town Clerk Linda D. Vavricka (R), Receiver of Taxes Andy Wittman (R) and Town Attorney William F. Garbarino were also in attendance.

Some of those who signed up to speak expressed their support for the battery centers. Lucia Yu, project developer at Key Capture Energy, the leading developer, owner and operator of large-scale battery energy storage systems in the United States. KCE, alongside the Long Island Power Authority, were the original proposers of the Hauppauge BESS. Yu spoke on behalf of KCE, strongly urging the town board to reconsider the prohibition. KCE has an improved long-term contract with the LIPA, who have repeatedly and explicitly identified BESS as a critical tool for delivering reliable and affordable power.

“Restricting this project from moving forward will not eliminate Long Island’s need for energy storage,” stated Yu. “It will simply make meeting those needs more difficult and more expensive.”

Additional concerns were raised from an economic standpoint. According to Yu, KCE is expected to generate more than $3.5 million in revenue, with intentions to contribute to the Hauppauge Union Free School district, Hauppauge Fire Department, and other local government entities. However, if the town moves forward with the battery center project restrictions, KCE will be forced to look elsewhere for investments despite wishing to still collaborate with the Town of Islip.