Power Through Any Storm: Why Brooklyn Properties Need Energy Storage Systems in 2024
As Brooklyn continues to experience extreme weather events and an aging electrical grid strains under increasing demand, property owners are turning to battery backup solutions to ensure reliable power when they need it most. Energy storage systems have emerged as a critical component of modern electrical infrastructure, offering both resilience and cost savings for residential and commercial properties throughout the borough.
The Growing Need for Energy Storage in Brooklyn
Brooklyn’s electrical infrastructure faces mounting challenges in 2024. That will take stress off Con Edison’s electric delivery system in the area when the demand for power is high, which occurs in the late afternoon and evening hours during the summer. With climate change bringing more frequent storms and heat waves, property owners can no longer rely solely on the traditional grid for uninterrupted power supply.
Con Edison has also enabled nearly 100 megawatts of private customer energy storage interconnections across its service territory to date, with the total amount of storage approximately doubling in 2024. This dramatic increase reflects the growing recognition that energy storage is essential for grid reliability and customer resilience.
New York State’s Ambitious Energy Storage Goals
New York State has set aggressive targets for energy storage deployment. In June 2024, New York’s Public Service Commission expanded the goal to 6,000 MW by 2030. Storage will increase the resilience and efficiency of New York’s grid, which will be 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040.
Additionally, energy storage can stabilize supply during peak electric usage and help keep critical systems online during an outage. These benefits make energy storage systems increasingly attractive for Brooklyn property owners looking to future-proof their electrical infrastructure.
Understanding Your Options: Commercial vs. Residential Systems
Brooklyn property owners have several energy storage options available, though regulations vary significantly between residential and commercial applications. Solar battery storage isn’t permitted for residential buildings in NYC. Obtaining permits for solar battery storage installations in New York City homes is challenging due to local fire and building codes. These regulations present obstacles that currently make it impossible to install solar batteries in residential properties within the city.
However, commercial properties have more flexibility. In New York City, small battery storage systems can be constructed in commercial and manufacturing districts as-of-right—meaning they do not need a special permit. In December 2023, the city approved new zoning regulations that made it easier to build energy storage systems in residential neighborhoods, as long as they were less than 10,000 feet squared.
Professional Installation is Critical
Given the complex regulatory environment and safety requirements surrounding energy storage systems, working with qualified electrical professionals is essential. When you need expert electrical services for your Brooklyn property, consulting with an experienced Electrician in Brooklyn ensures your energy storage system meets all local codes and safety standards.
Electrified NY, a family-owned electrical contractor serving Brooklyn, understands the unique challenges facing property owners in the borough. We offer all types of commercial electrical services including electrical repair, installation and inspection in Brooklyn. We’re known for honesty, integrity and providing professional and personal customer service. Our team of certified electricians have completed thorough training and are knowledgeable in safety regulations and local building codes.
Navigating the Permit Process
Installing energy storage systems in Brooklyn requires navigating multiple regulatory agencies. Deploying ESS in New York City involves three separate authorities. The following table outlines the permits, reviews and approvals required across each authority. These include the Department of Buildings (DOB), Fire Department of New York (FDNY), and Con Edison.
Energy storage technologies and systems are regulated at the federal, state, and local levels, and must undergo rigorous safety testing to be authorized for installation in New York. On July 28, 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the creation of a new Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group to ensure the safety and security of energy storage systems across the state.
The Future of Energy Storage in Brooklyn
Despite current regulatory challenges for residential installations, the outlook for energy storage in Brooklyn remains positive. It’s important to note that efforts are underway to address these regulatory barriers and work towards making solar battery storage more accessible in New York City.
If enough batteries are built within New York City, the power they store could replace that generated by fossil-fueled power plants still operating within the city’s borders. Environmental justice activists have fought for years to shutter those power plants, which pollute communities and cause health problems, and state regulators have set a deadline for closing them.
For Brooklyn property owners considering energy storage systems in 2024, the key is working with experienced professionals who understand both the technical requirements and regulatory landscape. Whether you’re planning a commercial installation or exploring future residential options, proper electrical expertise ensures your investment in energy storage delivers the reliability and cost savings you expect while maintaining the highest safety standards.
As Brooklyn continues its transition toward a more resilient and sustainable energy future, energy storage systems will play an increasingly vital role in protecting properties from power outages and reducing long-term energy costs. The time to start planning your energy storage solution is now.