Escondido city council considering extension to battery storage ban

ESCONDIDO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Escondido city leaders are set to vote on extending a ban on battery storage facilities on Wednesday, as the city grapples with safety concerns following a significant fire incident last year.

The current moratorium on battery storage facilities in Escondido is under review, with city council members considering an extension until the county develops more comprehensive regulations.

Residents have expressed ongoing safety concerns after a lithium-ion battery fire at an SDG&E storage yard in Escondido last year burned for several days. This incident led to evacuations and school closures in the area.

The proposed Seguro Project, which aims to build a 23-acre battery storage site near homes in Eden Valley, faces opposition from local residents and remains stalled under the current moratorium.

The outcome of the vote will determine the future of battery storage projects in Escondido, as the city seeks to balance development with community safety.

FOX 5's Elizabeth Alvarez contributed to this report.

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