Meeting primer: Lockport Township Planning Commission

This month’s meeting is drawing heightened attention as commissioners consider a proposed Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) text amendment. Some residents have raised safety and land use concerns about allowing large battery storage units alongside solar facilities, pointing to risks such as fire hazards and changes to rural character.

Township officials, however, are urging residents to “slow down and know the facts,” according to a statement on the township’s website.

The Lockport Township Planning Commission will hold its regular monthly meeting Thursday, October 2, at 6 p.m. at the township hall, 58982 Holtom Rd., Three Rivers.

Township officials, however, are urging residents to “slow down and know the facts,” according to a statement on the township’s website. They argue the amendment would give Lockport — not Lansing — the authority to regulate battery storage, which is currently unaddressed in local zoning. Without those rules, developers could bypass township review and seek approval directly from the state.

What is Public Act 233?

In 2023, Michigan lawmakers passed Public Act 233, shifting some authority over large renewable energy projects from local governments to the state. Any solar, wind, or battery project over 50 megawatts can apply directly to the Michigan Public Service Commission. If a township lacks its own ordinance — or if its rules are stricter than state standards — developers may bypass local zoning entirely. Supporters say the law speeds up renewable developments whereas critics argue it sidelines local voices and planning boards.

For Lockport, that means without a BESS ordinance, companies could skip township review altogether. Township leaders say adopting rules now helps preserve local control.

The proposed amendment would define BESS as systems that store excess solar energy for later use and establish requirements for fencing, safety signage, emergency shutdown access, fire response plans, decommissioning, and other safeguards.

In his staff report, Zoning Administrator Doug Kuhlman noted Lockport has not received any formal applications for large-scale battery storage. But he said adopting regulations now would prevent “automatic pass” approvals under state law.

The language mirrors provisions already adopted in Fabius Township and under review this month in Constantine and Park townships.

Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.