The Monterey County Board of Supervisors convened on May 20, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding the Elkhorn battery energy storage system operated by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E). The meeting featured a presentation from PG&E representatives, including Jasmine Venegas, Teresa Alvarado, and Tim Wisdom, who provided insights into the facility's operations and safety measures following recent incidents.

The session began with a brief introduction, allowing for questions before the presentation commenced. PG&E's representatives expressed gratitude for the opportunity to update the board on the Elkhorn system, which is a 182.5 megawatt battery storage facility designed to stabilize the local and state grid while integrating clean energy.

Alvarado detailed the facility's operations, emphasizing that the Elkhorn system is separate from the nearby Vistra facility, which experienced a fire in January 2025. She clarified that the Elkhorn battery automatically disconnected from the grid during the incident, ensuring safety. Wisdom followed with a discussion on safety enhancements implemented after a previous incident in September 2022, where a single mega pack went into thermal runaway due to faulty installation. He highlighted the extensive measures taken, including a full review of all mega packs, enhanced emergency response training, and the introduction of continuous emissions air monitoring.

The board members raised several questions regarding safety protocols, air monitoring, and communication with local agencies. Concerns were voiced about the adequacy of air plume modeling and the need for collaboration with external stakeholders, such as the Monterey Bay Air Resources District, to ensure comprehensive safety assessments during emergencies.

Wisdom assured the board that the continuous emissions monitoring system is capable of detecting hazardous substances, including hydrofluoric acid, and that data from this system was shared with local fire departments during the Vistra incident. However, board members stressed the importance of ensuring that all relevant agencies, including the county's Department of Emergency Management, are kept informed and involved in safety planning.

As the meeting progressed, the board discussed the implications of returning the Elkhorn facility to service by June 1, 2025, emphasizing the need for community reassurance regarding safety measures. The representatives from PG&E expressed their commitment to ongoing collaboration with local agencies and invited board members to tour the facility to better understand its operations.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the balance between the need for renewable energy solutions and the imperative of ensuring community safety. The board members expressed a desire for continued dialogue with PG&E and other stakeholders to address safety concerns and enhance emergency preparedness as the region moves forward with energy initiatives.