The California Energy Commission (CEC) will hold its first public informational and environmental scoping meeting on September 18, 2025, to discuss the proposed Potentia-Viridi Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in eastern Alameda County. The meeting will be conducted both in person at the Tracy Transit Center and online via Zoom. The event aims to inform the public about the project, explain the CEC’s Opt-In Certification process, and provide opportunities for community input.
Levy Alameda, LLC submitted an application on August 7, 2024, under the CEC’s Opt-In Certification program to build a 400-megawatt BESS facility. The system would store excess solar or low-cost electricity and discharge up to 3,200 megawatt-hours of energy when needed. It is planned for a site covering approximately 102 acres with an expected operational date of June 2028. The facility would include an operations building, substation, transmission line, and interconnection facilities at Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s Tesla Substation.
According to the CEC, “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.”
After initial application materials were found incomplete on September 6, 2024, Levy Alameda provided updated documentation that was deemed complete by the CEC on August 29, 2025. This initiated a formal review period lasting up to 270 days.
During this certification process—which is part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s initiative for expedited clean energy development—the CEC acts as lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act. Public meetings are held near project locations to gather input from stakeholders including government agencies and California Native American tribes. An environmental impact report will be prepared by staff; it will be published for public comment before any final decision is made by the commission.
If approved by the CEC under this alternative permitting pathway—designed to accelerate clean energy projects while supporting fossil fuel retirement—the certificate generally replaces most other required permits from various governmental levels unless restricted by federal law. Ongoing oversight during construction and operation would also fall under CEC authority.
California has recently updated safety protocols for battery storage technology in collaboration with multiple agencies as part of ongoing efforts led by Governor Newsom’s administration (https://bit.ly/Po-Vi). Recent measures include updates to state fire codes expected this year as well as new maintenance standards adopted by the California Public Utilities Commission in March.
To meet certification requirements for such facilities in California—including those outlined in NFPA Standard 855—project developers must collaborate with local first responders on emergency preparedness plans; install real-time air/water quality monitoring; use deflagration panels; implement thermal infrared cameras; and establish dedicated command centers outside storage areas.
The upcoming meeting will outline how members of the public can participate further through comments or continued engagement during subsequent phases of review.
For more information about participating remotely or details about project documentation visit https://bit.ly/Po-Vi.
