The Oshtemo Township Planning Commission will hear from experts Thursday on large battery storage projects and their regulation in Michigan. That’s after the township received a proposal to build a battery storage facility in the area.
Oshtemo has put a hold on such projects while it reviews its ordinances, as discussed in detail on its webpage.
The Michigan Public Service Commission and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy will both have presenters at the meeting. They will speak about "their agency’s role in reviewing and permitting a land use such as a battery energy storage system," according to the packet.
The presenters will also discuss Public Act 233, the 2023 Michigan law that "grants permitting authority to the Michigan Public Service Commission unless local governments adopt 'Compatible Renewable Energy Ordinances.'" That's according to the Graham Sustainability Institute at the University of Michigan, which is also set to have a staff member present at the meeting.
Members of the board, and the public, will have opportunities to comment and pose questions.
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. Thursday.
A proposal to build a battery facility in the township is mentioned in a recall petition against Oshtemo Township board members. Organizers are still gathering signatures and hope to get an issue on the ballot in May.
