This week, Delmarva Power will begin preparation work for a new battery energy storage system, or BESS, at 100th Street. The company reports the project will support the city’s energy needs.
“This project will improve the reliability and quality of energy service in the Town of Ocean City during times when energy demand is highest,” Senior Communications Specialist Zach Chizar said in an email last week. “This project will support the local energy grid, enhancing reliability and grid resiliency for all customers and seasonal visitors.”
In 2022, the Mayor and Council approved a conditional use permit allowing Delmarva Power to build a substation at 100th Street, contingent upon completion of a land swap agreement with the Town of Ocean City. Simply put, the utility company owned the northerly lot at 100th Street, while Ocean City owned the adjacent lot of a similar size immediately to the south. As part of the land swap, the town would acquire the northerly parcel – which is contiguous with other town-owned property – while Delmarva Power would acquire the southerly parcel for the installation of the BESS.
As a result of delays regarding the land swap, the council last October agreed to extend the conditional use agreement with Delmarva Power. And in March, following completion of the land swap, the Ocean City Planning Commission approved the site plan for the substation.
“Staff recommends approval of the site plan as presented, subject to the conditions of the conditional use permit,” Zoning Administrator Kay Gordy said at the time.
What could possibly go wrong? I’m sure they “mean well”.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) should NEVER be in the vicinity of residences. It is incendiary and the toxic fumes require evacuation for days as these type of electrical fires cannot be extinguished. Thus burning for days while filling the air, land, and sea with toxicity. Ocean City has high density housing. It is amazing that even the cash cow of Ocean City is being sacrificed. No place is off limits to Democrats.