The California Energy Commission (CEC) will hold its first public informational and environmental scoping meeting on September 18, 2025, regarding the proposed Potentia-Viridi Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in eastern Alameda County. The meeting is part of the CEC’s review process for a 400-megawatt energy storage project submitted by Levy Alameda, LLC.
The project aims to store excess solar or low-cost electricity and discharge up to 3,200 megawatt-hours when needed. If approved, it would be located on approximately 102 acres with an expected operational date in June 2028. The site would include supporting infrastructure such as an operations building, substation, transmission line, and interconnection facilities within Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s Tesla Substation.
Safety remains a central concern for battery storage projects in California. The CEC collaborates with fire safety experts and other agencies to ensure compliance with state fire codes and national standards. “The safe development and operation of battery energy storage systems is a top priority for California. The CEC works closely with fire safety experts, local responders, and other state agencies to ensure projects comply with the California Fire Code, National Fire Protection Association standards, and new safety protocols. This project, if approved, would be subject to robust safety requirements including advanced fire suppression systems, continuous monitoring, and emergency response planning.”
Levy Alameda’s application was initially deemed incomplete but was updated after further submissions. On August 29, 2025, the CEC accepted the revised application as complete—triggering a formal certification process that must be completed within 270 days.
As part of this process, the upcoming hybrid meeting at Tracy Transit Center—and accessible via Zoom—will allow community members to learn about the project details and participate in discussions. For those interested in remote participation or additional information about attending online: https://bit.ly/Po-Vi
During this session, CEC staff will explain their responsibilities in reviewing applications while engaging with government agencies, Native American tribes, local communities, and others affected by or interested in the proposal. The Office of the Public Advisor will also outline how individuals can provide input during this period.
Following staff assessment—including preparation of an environmental impact report—the findings will be presented at another public meeting during a designated comment period before any final decision is made on project approval.
The Opt-In Certification program under which this application falls is part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s effort to speed up clean energy development across California by providing an alternative permitting pathway for certain projects. Under this framework—which positions the CEC as lead agency for environmental review—public meetings are held locally so stakeholders can offer feedback before decisions are finalized.
“If the CEC approves the project,” according to official materials from the commission: “the issuance of a certificate, in most instances, is in lieu of any permits…required by state, local, regional or federal agencies to the extent permitted by federal law.” Certified projects are monitored throughout their lifecycle for compliance with established conditions.
Battery storage system safety has been prioritized statewide through regulatory updates such as enhancements to fire codes scheduled for adoption this year and new maintenance protocols mandated by recent decisions from entities like the California Public Utilities Commission (https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/news-and-updates/all-news/cpuc-approves-new-safety-requirements-for-battery-energy-storage-facilities). These initiatives reflect ongoing collaboration among agencies seeking improved standards based on evolving technology.
To obtain certification under current guidelines—including NFPA 855 standards—applicants must demonstrate measures like real-time air/water quality monitoring during emergencies; integration of deflagration panels; installation of thermal infrared cameras; collaboration with local first responders; command centers outside BESS sites; among other mitigation strategies.
More information about both the Potentia-Viridi Battery Energy Storage System project—including how to receive updates—is available through official channels provided by the CEC.
###
