A proposal to construct a lithium-ion battery storage station in Putnam County is causing concern among residents in Westchester County.

The proposed site for this storage system, located in a wooded area in Carmel, backs right up to dozens of homes in Somers.

East Point Energy, a green energy supplier, is behind the proposal to build a 116-megawatt battery energy storage system. The plan is to store electricity during off-peak hours and redistribute it to the grid during peak hours to help prevent blackouts. However, concerns have been raised about safety issues, particularly after a similar battery storage location in Orange County caught fire for several weeks last year.

Opponents of the plan in Westchester County are worried about potential fires, air pollution and water contamination. They also express concern that their voices won't be adequately considered by a planning board that operates across county lines.

Westchester County officials emphasize that residents of Somers must be involved in the site and environmental review process. Many agree, including Board of Legislators Chairman Vedat Gashi, who stated, "Even if it isn't my decision to make, it impacts so sincerely the families here in Somers that I think that it's incumbent upon us to make sure that those voices are heard."

East Point Energy is holding a virtual community webinar on May 2 to answer community questions. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for East Point Energy emphasized in a statement to News 12 that safety is a top priority in the communities where their projects are located.

The next planning board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 24, but the proposed energy plant is not on the agenda.