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Westchester Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Conference

Monday, October 19, 2026 · 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Doors open at 8:30 a.m.

Westchester County CenterLittle Theatre, 2nd Floor · 198 Central Avenue, White Plains

Free admission · Registration required

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As New York and Westchester advance a clean, affordable and reliable energy future, battery energy storage systems are playing an increasingly important role. Many localities are working through the technical, legal, planning and public safety questions that come with them. This free half-day conference gives municipal leaders and public safety professionals the latest information, practical guidance and best practices to support informed local decision-making.

Agenda

Monday,
October 19

  1. 8:30–9:00 a.m.

    Doors Open

    Refreshments and Informal Networking

  2. 9:00–9:15 a.m.

    Welcome and Introduction

    • Hon. Ken Jenkins, County ExecutiveWestchester County
    • Noam Bramson, Executive Vice PresidentThe Business Council of Westchester
  3. 9:15–9:50 a.m.

    NYS Policy, Resources and BESS Technology

    How battery storage works, the role it plays in New York's clean energy plans, and the state guidance, model laws and free technical assistance available to municipalities.

    • Ian Latimer, Clean Energy Siting Program ManagerNYSERDA
  4. 9:50–10:30 a.m.

    Public Safety Considerations

    How today's systems are designed, built and monitored for safety, what New York's updated Fire Code requires, and how fire departments plan and train alongside battery storage sites.

    • Paul Rogers, Founding PrincipalEnergy Safety Response Group; retired FDNY Lieutenant
    • Wayne Melton, Chief, Orange County HazMat TeamEnergy Safety Response Group
  5. 10:30–11:15 a.m.

    Municipal Perspectives

    Local leaders share how their communities approached battery storage: writing the rules, engaging residents, and reviewing projects.

    • Lindsay Audin, Sustainability Committee ChairVillage of Croton-on-Hudson
    • Stuart Rabin, Village ManagerVillage of Port Chester
    • Richard Slingerland, Village AdministratorVillage of Tarrytown
  6. 11:15–11:50 a.m.

    The Legal Landscape

    What local governments can regulate, how zoning, permitting and state review fit together, and practical steps for adopting a battery storage law.

    • Jessica Bacher, Executive DirectorLand Use Law Center, Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University
    • Anthony B. Gioffre III, Managing PartnerCuddy & Feder LLP
    • Alec R. Gladd, PartnerCuddy & Feder LLP
    • Emma Lagle, Energy Policy Advisor and Regional Affairs ManagerPace Energy and Climate Center
  7. 11:50 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

    Concluding Thoughts and Next Steps

    • Ron Kamen, Director, Clean Energy Action CoalitionThe Business Council of Westchester
    • Leo Wiegman, Director, Energy SystemsSustainable Westchester
  8. 12:00 p.m.

    Forum Concludes

Program and speakers subject to change.

Registration Information

Registration is free. Spots are limited, so please reserve yours early. Eligible for annual training credits.

Designed for
Municipal leadersElected officials, planning and zoning boards, municipal staff, code enforcement and building officials, fire and emergency services
Location
Westchester County CenterLittle Theatre, 2nd Floor
198 Central Avenue, White Plains
Free parking
Questions
CEACCEAC@thebcw.org

Register Now

Before You Come

The Clean Energy Action Coalition keeps plain-language, sourced background on battery storage in Westchester. A good place to start: