The battle over Battery Energy Storage Sites

About this episode

The episode discusses the concerns and benefits of battery energy storage systems in Vermont, focusing on a proposed facility in Vergennes.

Battery energy storage systems — BESS — are popping up across the country. They strengthen the electrical grid by storing energy and releasing it at high demand times, and can lower energy costs for customers. But some neighbors of some proposed facilities have concerns about safety and aesthetics. In Vergennes, residents are pushing back against plans by the company Lightshift to build one on Panton Rd. But local officials and Lightshift representatives say the worries are unfounded. We talk through how these systems work with Cyril Brunner . He works in the energy sector — currently for Texture, which builds software to operate the grid, and formerly for Vermont Electric Cooperative. We also talk with Vergennes property owner Carrie Hathaway , a vocal opponent of the proposed battery energy storage site. Adirondack Explorer reporter Gwendolyn Craig fills us in on similar debates over battery storage that are currently underway in Adirondack Park. A representative from Lightshift shared a statement from the company with Vermont Edition ahead of today's show: “Battery energy storage is playing an increasingly important role in advancing Vermont's renewable energy goals…

People in this episode

Guests: Cyril Brunner, Carrie Hathaway

Topics covered

• battery energy storage
• electrical grid
• renewable energy
• community concerns
• safety
• aesthetics

Keywords

• battery energy storage
• BESS
• electrical grid
• Lightshift
• safety concerns
• renewable energy
• Vergennes
• community opposition

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Lightshift, Vermont Electric Cooperative

Places: Vergennes, Adirondack Park

More episodes of Vermont Edition

• Vermont Edition at Home: Howard Dean · June 11, 2026 · 49 min
• Penny for your thoughts? Vermonters weigh in on the copper coin's demise · June 10, 2026 · 50 min
• Need a book recommendation? Check out Vermont Edition's summer reading list · June 9, 2026 · 50 min
• Town by Town: Brattleboro · June 4, 2026 · 57 min
• The architecture movement rooted in the Mad River Valley · June 3, 2026 · 50 min
• AG Charity Clark and America 250 in Vermont · June 2, 2026 · 50 min