Von Essen, former FDNY commissioner and fire engineer, argues that battery energy storage systems in New York are safe under current rules and that New York City has deployed battery storage safely across all five boroughs, with no fires at any facilities. The incident rate has dropped 98% since 2018, and the technology has improved as it grows. New York's updated fire code requires independent engineering review before a facility can be built, continuous monitoring of fire detection equipment, and compliance with or exceedance of national fire protection standards. Essen also notes that while not moving forward, delaying deployment could delay electric bills across New York, our power grid is aging and growing. The Long Island Association has named battery storage one of its top five policy priorities for 2026.