New York State Battery Energy Storage System Guidebook
The Battery Energy Storage System Guidebook contains information, tools, and step-by-step instructions to support local governments managing battery energy storage system development in their communities. The Guidebook provides local officials with in-depth details about the permitting and inspection process to ensure efficiency, transparency, and safety in their communities.
You can download the full Energy Storage Guidebook [PDF] or access individual chapters below.
Energy storage technologies and systems are regulated at the federal, state, and local levels, and must undergo rigorous safety testing to be authorized for installation in New York. You can find additional resources on our Trainings for Local Governments webpage that offers recordings and materials from NYSERDA’s battery energy storage system trainings. Additionally, The Office of Fire Prevention and Control has made a course available on the DHSES E-Learning Management System for all first responders: Battery Emergencies and Electrical Storage Systems 
. Below are a series of fact sheets to help guide your discussions about energy storage:
- Battery Energy Storage Systems: Information For Elected Officials / Local Governments [PDF]
- Battery Energy Storage Systems: What New Yorkers Should Know [PDF]
- Energy Storage in New York City: Technology, Regulations, and Safety. [PDF]
Establishing an Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group
On July 28, 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the creation of the Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group to ensure the safety and security of energy storage systems across the state. Updates and resources can be found on the Working Group’s webpage.
On July 25, 2025, the State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council adopted updated energy storage safety codes, informed by the Working Group’s recommendations developed in collaboration with FDNY, state agencies, and national experts. These updates strengthen protections for communities and demonstrate New York’s proactive commitment to safety and oversight. For the latest code updates and to reference the full text of the 2025 Fire Code of New York State (Section 1207 addresses Electrical Energy Storage Systems), please refer to the New York State Department of State (NYS DOS) website . The 2025 NYS Code Books can also be viewed for free on the International Code Council (ICC) website or purchased online .
Battery Energy Storage Systems FAQ
An introduction to the common equipment and terminology used in energy storage technology. Topics of discussion include energy storage systems and components, types of batteries, safety, and siting considerations.
Battery Energy Storage System Model Law
The Model Law is intended to help local government officials and AHJs adopt legislations and regulations to responsibly accommodate battery energy storage systems in their communities. The Model Law lays out procedural frameworks and substantive requirements for residential, commercial, and utility-scale battery energy storage systems.
Tools
Battery Energy Storage System Model Permit
The Model Permit is intended to help local government officials and AHJs establish the minimum submittal requirements for electrical and structural plan review that are necessary when permitting residential and small commercial battery energy storage systems.
Tools
Fire Safety Working Group Deliverables
Governor Hochul’s Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group produced numerous documents that provide useful information and resources with respect to energy storage fire safety. Copies of those deliverables are provided below for reference.
- Fire Safety Working Group Deliverables [PDF]
- Fire Code Recommendations Report [PDF]
- Press Releases to Date:
- July 26, 2024: Draft Fire Code Announced to Enhance Safety Standards for Battery Energy Storage Systems
- February 6, 2024: Governor Hochul Releases Initial Recommendations From Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group
- December 21, 2023: Initial Findings Released From Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group On Emergency Response
- July 28, 2023: Governor Hochul Convenes Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group Following Fires in Jefferson, Orange, & Suffolk Counties
- July 26, 2024: Draft Fire Code Announced to Enhance Safety Standards for Battery Energy Storage Systems
- New York State Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group Air, Soil, and Water Data Findings
- Local Government Webinar: Deploying Safe Lithium-Ion Energy Storage in Your Community
- Expert Panel: How New York's 2025 Fire Code Has Set The Standard In Energy Storage Safety
Peer Review Resources
The 2025 NYS Fire Code (FCNYS) requires that all battery energy storage system (BESS) installations exceeding established capacity thresholds are peer reviewed to ensure code compliance for upcoming projects. Local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) often lack the resources or expertise to evaluate critical BESS permitting documents which contain technical data that drives important siting requirements. Projects procured under NYSERDA’s retail and bulk energy storage programs are required to go through NYSERDA’s peer review process. The process will be conducted by vetted, qualified experts for applicable BESS installations. This process will assist local AHJs in their review of BESS permit applications and their compliance with existing fire code requirements.
AHJs in New York State still retain the legal authority to review, approve, and permit projects. Code enforcement officials will benefit from accessing and understanding these documents to create smart, critical alignment with the NYSERDA Peer Review Team. Further, AHJs can leverage these resources to develop a deeper understanding of project design details that are relevant to code compliance.
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