By Selena Sanchez

On March 13, 2025, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) voted (5-0) to adopt Resolution ESRB-13. According to its news release, the new standards for battery energy storage facilities would further safety efforts and increase oversight over emergency response actions. Pursuant to California’s clean energy initiatives, electric and battery-operated storage and maintenance facilities have grown exponentially in size and quantity across the state. Thus, prompting the Commission to adopt Res. ESRB-13.

The resolution modifies General Order 167-B, pursuant to SB 1383 (Hueso) (Chapter 725, Statutes of 2022)’s requirements, to add new safety standards and operational maintenance of battery storage systems. Further, the resolution updates emergency plans and responses pursuant to SB 38 (Laird) (Chapter 377, Statutes of 2023). To accomplish these changes, the CPUC requires Generating Asset Owners to coordinate with local authorities to develop the emergency plans. The resolution also removes obsolete references and updates relevant language, codes, and standards.

Fires occurring at electric generation facilities and battery or renewable energy storage facilities are especially concerning for several reasons. The primary concern here relates to the chain reaction and thermal runaway that occurs when lithium-ion batteries combust. Unlike a typical wildfire, battery fires burn at exponentially higher temperatures due to their chemical compositions and explosive properties. This means that these fires cannot be put out by traditional methods typically used in fighting wildfire.

The CPUC now attempts to mitigate these concerns through this resolution by establishing statutory guidelines and adopting new rules and procedures governing safety, enforcement, and compliance for battery and energy storage and operating facilities across the State.