#MACoCon Recap: What Battery Storage Means for Maryland Counties

At the MACo Winter Conference, attendees heard about the challenges and opportunities related to battery energy storage systems.

Panel speakers included: Mario Giovannini, PHI Director, Energy Acquisition, Pepco Holdings; John Borkoski, Senior Commission Advisor, PSC; James Hunt, Acting Deputy Planning Director, Prince George’s Planning; Tom Coe, Fire Chief, Frederick County; Moderator: Incoming MACo President & Frederick County Council Person MC Keegan-Ayer

County governments sit at the intersection of battery energy storage systems (BESS) and local community priorities, with responsibilities that span land-use review, permitting, and coordination with public safety agencies. Storage projects can affect grid reliability and electricity system costs, and they raise important questions around safety standards, emergency response planning, and ongoing operations and maintenance. As the technology evolves—including longer-duration systems and new chemistries—counties will remain essential to the rollout.

Incoming MACo President & Frederick County Council Person MC Keegan-Ayer led the conversation and moderated an informative Q&A at the “Powering the Future: What Battery Storage Means for Maryland Counties” general session at the MACo Winter Conference.

Panel speakers included:

  • John Borkoski, Senior Commission Advisor, PSC
  • Mario Giovannini, PHI Director, Energy Acquisition, Pepco Holdings
  • James Hunt, Acting Deputy Planning Director, Prince George’s Planning
  • Tom Coe, Fire Chief, Frederick County

Mario Giovannini kicked off the panel by discussing the broader regional energy landscape and how storage can help stabilise Maryland’s energy outlook.

John Borkoski talked about recent legislation that impacts county governments and what this means for local processes.

James Hunt dug into the unique processes his county has developed to evaluate energy storage systems, and the essential considerations of those projects must follow.

Tom Coe concluded the panel by walking through two major failures of battery systems that are shaping the development of new safety standards and policies.

More About MACo’s Winter Conference: