Over the past few weeks, the city of Mesa has been holding meetings to discuss allowing technology that stores electricity in rechargeable batteries for later use.

Known as battery energy storage systems, or BESS, these devices can provide stability to power grids during outages, emergencies or peak demand hours.

However, the city cannot just implement them immediately. Battery energy storage systems are not defined in Mesa’s current zoning code, and Mesa Planning Director Mary Kopaskie-Brown told the council that a zoning and fire code amendment is needed for these facilities.

“BESS and BESS facilities are an emerging and increasingly prominent land use,” Kopaskie-Brown said during an Oct. 6 council study session. “They have a unique public health and safety consideration that can incl

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