Milltown Borough Council Discusses Battery Storage Project Amidst Broader Energy and Safety Concerns

The Milltown Borough Council meeting on June 23, 2025, focused heavily on a proposed battery storage project aimed at reducing electricity costs for the borough. The council also addressed safety protocols, discussed the economic implications of the project, and tackled issues ranging from tax payment systems to property ownership complexities.

01:39The council’s session opened with an extensive presentation on the battery storage project by an energy company representative, Mr. Clansson. He outlined the financial pressures caused by increasing electricity costs, highlighting that a portion of a typical power bill covers infrastructure and transmission expenses. The proposed battery storage system aims to offset these rising costs by storing energy during non-peak hours and releasing it during peak demand periods. This approach is projected to save the borough approximately $847,000 annually, based on 2025 rates.

07:25Safety standards were a focal point of the presentation, with assurances that the project would comply with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 855 and Underwriters Laboratory (UL) 9540 standards. These standards are critical for minimizing risks such as thermal runaway, a dangerous condition where battery temperature increases uncontrollably, potentially leading to fires. The representative addressed concerns about the safety of lithium-ion batteries compared to other chemistries, emphasizing advances in technology that allow for early detection of issues and autonomous management of potential fire events.

23:58The representative confirmed that the project’s bid specifications included obligations to meet performance targets, promising financial accountability. Construction is anticipated to take three to four months, with the project potentially operational by the next peak demand season.

01:06:33Attention then turned to the broader implementation of smart meters within the borough’s electric system. The council debated the pros and cons of allowing residents to opt out of the installation. A council member argued against opt-out provisions, citing minimal data collection by smart meters and emphasizing their role in measuring electricity usage without monitoring specific household activities. The broader implications of smart meters, including their role in supporting the battery storage project, were also considered.

50:36Financial considerations extended beyond energy projects to include a new online payment system for utility bills. The council discussed the introduction of a credit card payment option with a 2.5% transaction fee, which the borough would not absorb. Members debated the implications for residents, especially in light of high credit card interest rates compared to the borough’s delinquency fees. The meeting clarified that the online system would not store payment information for future transactions, addressing concerns about data security.

01:00:15Another topic was the ongoing water line replacement program, particularly the identification and replacement of lead and galvanized lines. The council confirmed that residents would be notified if their service lines contained lead. The smart meter program was reiterated as mandatory and cost-free to residents.

01:40:14Discussion also touched upon property ownership issues around Mil Pond, with residents expressing concerns about unclear ownership documentation and potential liabilities for the borough. One resident emphasized the importance of resolving these issues to prevent future legal disputes and financial burdens on taxpayers. The council acknowledged these concerns and expressed a commitment to addressing them, including the possibility of involving the Department of Environmental Protection.

01:16:17The meeting concluded with updates on community activities and infrastructure projects. The council highlighted the need for transparency and engagement with residents, particularly regarding the Board of Education’s budget meetings and the potential televising of these sessions to increase public awareness. Concerns about the old Department of Public Works site were also raised, with calls for a clear plan for its future use.

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.

Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:

Trending meetings
across the country: