BESS Explained

Over the past few months, Agawam residents have raised concerns and questions about proposed Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) here in town. From safety to zoning, there’s been a lot of conversation—some of it confusing. That’s why I created a short video series to break it down, address common concerns, and talk about what this means for our community.

BESS – Part 1:

There’s been a lot of confusion about Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in Agawam. In Part 1, I break down what’s been done so far—like the ordinance requiring any BESS proposal to meet the highest possible safety standards—and set the stage for the rest of the series.

BESS – Part 2:

In Part 2 of this series, I explain what a Battery Energy Storage System actually is, what happened with the fires in New York, and why the systems allowed in Agawam would have to follow much stricter safety standards.

BESS – Part 3:

In this part of the series, I’m focusing on the most common worries I’ve heard during my listening tour: fire risk, fumes, water contamination, and what it means to live in a valley like Agawam.

I also explain how the newer BESS systems—and the local safety ordinances Agawam passed—help reduce those risks.

BESS – Part 4:

What if something goes wrong? That’s the question a lot of people are asking about BESS facilities—and it’s a fair one.

In this video, I walk through the real concerns people have—fires, toxic fumes, water contamination, wetlands—and how Agawam’s new safety ordinance helps protect us if a site were to come here.

This isn’t about fear—it’s about preparation.

BESS – Part 5:

In this video, I’m breaking down:

– Why Agawam’s BESS ordinance matters beyond our borders

– How our mayor strengthened protections using his legal background

– And why residents should have heard about this sooner