Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Model Ordinance

In 2024, the Rhode Island General Assembly enacted the Energy Storage Systems Act (2024 – S 2499 Substitute A), establishing statewide targets for energy storage deployment. As Rhode Island works toward these goals, local regulations will play an important role in how and where energy storage projects are developed.

The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) has developed this Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Model Ordinance to support municipalities in planning for and regulating these projects. This document provides voluntary guidance for cities and towns considering how to address energy storage systems in local ordinances. It reflects research and input from state and local officials, developers, utilities, community members, and other stakeholders.

The model ordinance is designed to help municipalities navigate common considerations related to siting, permitting, safety, and taxation of battery energy storage systems. It is intended to be flexible and adaptable to local conditions, and does not supersede any existing authority granted under state or federal law.

The Battery Energy Storage Systems Model Ordinance Template is currently out for public comment until April 30, 2026. Please email all public comments in PDF format, preferably on organizational letterhead, to Ian.Plante.INT@energy.ri.gov.

Model Ordinance Template PDF file, less than 1

What’s Included:

The model ordinance includes three components that communities may adopt or modify:

Zoning guidance addressing siting and land use considerations
Fire safety standards focused on system design and emergency response
Taxation guidance aligned with existing rules for commercial renewable energy systems

Together, these sections of the template are meant to support consistent and well-informed local decision-making at the municipal level.

Supporting Rhode Island’s Energy Goals

Rhode Island is working to expand renewable energy while preserving the character of its communities and protecting natural resources. Energy storage plays a key role in this transition by improving grid reliability and enabling greater use of renewable energy sources. This model ordinance is intended to help communities balance these priorities: supporting the responsible development of energy storage while ensuring that local concerns are thoughtfully addressed.