Milltown Borough Council Advances Battery Storage Project Amid Safety and Financial Concerns

The Milltown Borough Council meeting on June 23, 2025, prominently featured a discussion on a proposed battery storage project led by On-Site Partners. The project, aimed at mitigating rising electricity infrastructure costs, sparked debate among council members and attendees regarding financial implications, technological choices, and safety standards.

19:41The presentation by On-Site Partners highlighted the economic rationale behind the battery storage system, which seeks to alleviate the high costs associated with electricity transmission and capacity charges. Mr. Clansson of On-Site Partners explained that the battery system would store energy during off-peak hours and release it during peak demand periods, particularly during the five highest demand hours annually. This strategy aims to reduce the borough’s reliance on grid power during costly peak times, potentially saving approximately $864,000 in transmission charges and $480,000 in capacity charges annually against a projected fee of $497,000 per year.

25:08Safety was a concern, with Mr. Clansson assuring adherence to updated safety standards, specifically NFPA 855 and UL 9540, to minimize risks such as fire and thermal runaway. The council deliberated on the types of batteries to be used, with lithium iron phosphate technology chosen for its greater stability compared to older nickel manganese cobalt batteries. This choice reflects lessons from previous incidents, like the Moss Landing fire in California, which were discussed to emphasize the importance of safety in the project’s design.

15:34A council member inquired about the potential for future battery technology improvements, such as sodium-ion batteries, to be integrated into the project. While Mr. Clansson acknowledged the possibility of future advancements, he clarified that the current project would rely on lithium-ion technology, which is expected to remain consistent throughout its operational lifespan.

The financial structure of the project was scrutinized, particularly the timing of payments relative to the system’s operational status. Concerns were raised about upfront payments before the project begins generating revenue, with assurances provided that financial obligations would align with the operational timeline, mitigating potential financial strain on the borough.

32:09The council also addressed the importance of public awareness and understanding of the project. Clansson noted that predicting peak demand days involves a combination of monitoring daily conditions, utilizing data from PJM (a regional transmission organization), and applying experiential knowledge. This forecasting is important for the project’s success in optimizing savings and efficiency.

49:05In addition to the battery storage project, the council addressed several ordinances and resolutions. Ordinance 251570 was introduced, authorizing a 15-year lease for the battery storage project. A typographical error in the project’s block and lot number was corrected before approval. Ordinance 251569, amending salaries and wages to include full-time apprentice linemen, was also passed unanimously.

59:17The council further discussed the introduction of credit card payments for taxes and municipal utilities. While this new option aims to increase convenience, concerns were raised about the potential for high credit card interest rates compared to the borough’s delinquency interest. The council emphasized the need to inform residents about the 2.5% fee for credit card transactions and considered the implications of credit card payments on residents’ financial management.

47:58A proposal for a special meeting on July 7 was agreed upon to facilitate a second reading for an ordinance. This meeting would ensure at least four council members are present to proceed with necessary approvals.

01:07:43The meeting also included updates on community initiatives, such as library programs and changes in recycling procedures. Council members highlighted the importance of effective communication with residents about these initiatives, including sending letters to inform them of upcoming inspections for lead or galvanized water lines.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.

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