Sturbridge Planning Board sends battery storage moratorium to town meeting

Planning Board · Meeting of January 26, 2026

Sturbridge Planning Board votes to send a battery storage moratorium to town meeting. The board voted unanimously by roll call Monday to close a public hearing on proposed Article 21 and forward it to the town administrator for the annual town meeting warrant, after Town Planner Jean M. Bubon said large battery facilities are now a Dover Amendment-type use largely exempt from local zoning.

Bubon called the moratorium, covering systems of 250 kilowatts or greater through December 1, 2026, "worth a shot" despite doubting the Attorney General's office will approve it. Member David Bourbeau raised fire-safety concerns, noting most battery fire history comes from drier Western states. Bubon said the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission will help draft a permanent bylaw, with Ron Barron set to join the board February 9; Bubon's last day is August 10.

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Source: the Planning Board meeting of January 26, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.