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Chesapeake City Council is set to vote on a proposed battery storage facility during Tuesday’s meeting.

Proposed Mill Stone battery energy storage system in Chesapeake nears vote from city leaders

The proposed Mill Stone Energy Center would be built on an approximately 31-acre portion of a larger property in the Hickory area. A battery energy storage system works by pulling power off the grid during off-peak hours, typically at night, and pushing it back onto the grid when demand is highest — during heat waves, winter storms, or other high-usage periods.

Supporters say it could help prevent outages, while neighbors have raised concerns about fire safety and how close the site is to homes and schools. The Chesapeake Planning Commission previously voted 7-1 to recommend denial of a conditional use permit for the Mill Stone Energy Center.

If approved, construction could begin as early as 2030, with operations potentially starting in 2031. Tuesday’s city council meeting is open to the public for comment.
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