Updated: 10:54 PM PDT Sep 1, 2026Editorial Standards ⓘ

Esteban Reynoso

Reporter

SOLANO COUNTY, Calif. —

The California Energy Commission held a hearing Tuesday night at the Vacaville Community Center to discuss a proposed battery energy storage facility in Solano County, drawing a full house of residents and local leaders who voiced safety and environmental concerns.

Signs opposing the Corby Battery Energy Storage System were displayed throughout the meeting. The facility is planned for the southwest corner of Kilkenny and Byrnes roads, spanning 40 acres and holding 300 megawatts of energy in its batteries. It would require power lines to be strung across Interstate 80 and connect to the Cal Peak Power Plant to distribute power to the grid through PG&E when needed.

Drew Bohan, executive director of the California Energy Commission, highlighted the importance of public participation in the decision-making process.

“I think it’s important the public gets to speak directly to the leadership of the organization,” Bohan said.

He explained the project’s role in advancing California’s renewable energy goals.

“It’s critical. It’s the missing link that enables renewable energy,” Bohan said. “It’s not just renewable energy, but it’s also to support the grid for all sorts of reasons.”

Despite the state’s push for renewable energy, Vacaville city leaders and community members expressed opposition to the project, raising concerns about public safety risks, including the possibility of disasters like the 2025 battery energy storage facility fire in Moss Landing.

“The state should not dismiss that work just because it has the legal authority to do so,” one attendee said during the meeting, prompting applause from the audience.

Vacaville Mayor John Carli questioned whether the risks associated with the facility could be avoided.

“My argument is, is there an alternative to accepting this risk?” Carli said.

Bohan responded, saying, “We’ve looked at all those things, and we hope they keep an open mind when we arrive at our decision as public servants.”

The California Energy Commission is accepting public comments on the project until Sept. 14, with a final vote expected on Nov. 18.

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