Sedgwick County approves one-year moratorium on battery energy storage systems

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - The Sedgwick County Commission at its meeting on Wednesday, approved one-year pause on applications for battery energy storage systems, which are used to store excess electrical energy. Supporters of these facilities point toward energy stability and the backup power provided, but the large-scale projects come with questions and concerns.

In Sedgwick County, the moratorium continues through March 11, 2027.

Discussions around battery energy storage systems are taking place across Kansas. Saline and Sumner counties recently rejected similar proposals to bring the systems to their communities. In November, residents in Halstead voted to block the developments within city limits.

Sedgwick County said it wants time to create regulations for large-scale renewable energy projects, which are becoming more common across the country.

County Commissioner Jeff Blubaugh said the board’s consideration for the pause is in the county’s best interest.

“Right now, it’s more of a timing issue than anything else. I’d like to see what other communities have done in regard to regulation with battery storage. So, I think it’s going to take a lot more time than what we’re currently utilizing for some of the other regulations,” Blubaugh said.