New battery system at Jersey Shore goes online despite concerns from locals

As another round of extreme heat moves into the region, a new battery energy storage system in Beach Haven is helping support the electric grid during periods of high demand. The project, however, continues to divide the Long Beach Island community.

Atlantic City Electric fully activated the battery energy storage system on July 1 despite a request from Beach Haven leaders to delay its launch.

Located on the site of a former power substation, the system uses lithium-ion batteries that charge when electricity demand is lower. The stored energy is then used to help provide additional power when demand surges, such as during a heat wave.

“It helps during periods of peak demand and stress on the system to protect critical components of the system to help ensure reliability to help keep the lights on,” Atlantic City Electric Region President Andrew Hendry said.

The utility company says it worked with Beach Haven since the project was first approved more than four years ago. It also says the system was built to the latest and highest safety standards with state-of-the-art detection, monitoring, fire suppression and automatic shutoff systems.

Still, some residents and business owners remain opposed to the project.

“I think that the only people probably who are not angry about it are people who are probably not aware of it,” Surf Shack South owner Don Miller said.

“I think the land could be utilized a little bit better for the town,” Beach Haven resident Kyle Degnan said.

Resident Jim Ciulla said he remains concerned about the possibility of a fire involving the lithium-ion batteries.

“We feel that there’s no way to keep the residents and the community safe if this thing goes into what they call thermal runaway, which is one of the nasty characteristics of lithium ion batteries,” Ciulla said. “We’re on a barrier island — one way in, one way out,” he added.

Atlantic City Electric says electricity demand on Long Beach Island reached a 10-year high over the Fourth of July weekend, and the battery energy storage system helped keep power flowing.

Not everyone in Beach Haven opposes the project.

“Everything is positive to me,” resident Peter Jansen said. “I have no problem with it.”

Jansen, who lives across the street from the equipment, said he would rather have the battery storage system than apartments or other housing built on the property.

Despite the system now being operational, opponents say they will continue pushing for its removal.

“I’d like to see it removed,” Ciulla said.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication.