The Mesa Planning and Zoning Board recently voted to recommend the city council make a few changes to the Mesa city code pertaining to battery energy storage systems.

The board voted 3-1 to approve the modified amendment, with board member Jamie Blakeman voting no and board members Jeff Pitcher, Genessee Montes and Chase Farnsowrth absent on Oct. 22.

Battery energy storage systems can provide stability to power grids during outages, emergencies or peak demand hours.

However, the city cannot implement them immediately. Battery energy storage systems are not defined in Mesa’s current zoning code, and Mesa Planning Director Mary Kopaskie-Brown told the council a zoning and fire code amendment is needed for these facilities, as reported in another Mesa Independent article.

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