Battery storage rules: Massachusetts
Massachusetts has one statewide fire code, 527 CMR 1.00, based on NFPA 1 (2021) with Massachusetts amendments; its Chapter 52 references NFPA 855 (2020 edition). The head of the local fire department issues the permit for energy storage above NFPA 855's threshold quantities (MassDEP gives 20 kWh for lithium-ion). Under the 2024 climate law, projects of 100 MWh or more get one consolidated permit from the Energy Facilities Siting Board; smaller projects are permitted by the town, and if the developer chooses a consolidated local permit, the town must accept it (from October 1, 2026) and decide within 12 months. The Attorney General reads the state zoning law (G.L. c. 40A §3) to protect battery storage from prohibition or unreasonable regulation, and has disapproved town moratoriums and stand-alone bans while approving regulatory bylaws.
No statewide pause; the Attorney General has disapproved town moratoriums
The 2024 climate law has no moratorium provision. The Attorney General, who reviews town bylaws, has disapproved town moratoriums on battery storage under G.L. c. 40A §3 (for example Northfield, 2024, and Blandford, 2026), and has approved bylaws that regulate it (for example Wilbraham, 2024). Attorney General Municipal Law Unit decisions: Northfield #11346, Blandford #12153, Wilbraham #11474
Fire and building codes in force
- 527 CMR 1.00 (NFPA 1, 2021 edition, with Massachusetts amendments), effective December 9, 2022; Chapter 52 references NFPA 855 (2020 edition)
- Permit from the head of the local fire department for energy storage above NFPA 855's threshold quantities (MassDEP gives 20 kWh for lithium-ion)
- 780 CMR, 10th edition of the State Building Code (2021 I-Codes base), effective October 11, 2024; it sends energy storage fire safety to the fire code
- Electrical code: NFPA 70 (2026 edition)
How a project is permitted
Projects of 100 MWh or more: one consolidated permit from the Energy Facilities Siting Board (rules apply to filings from July 1, 2026; the Board must decide within 15 months of finding the application complete). Smaller projects: the town's zoning and permits; the developer may choose a consolidated local permit, which the town must decide within 12 months or issue a constructive approval permit, and every town must accept that application from October 1, 2026 (Chapter 239 of the Acts of 2024; 225 CMR 29.00). Ask your town how its zoning treats battery storage and which tier your project falls in.
Legislation
- Chapter 239 of the Acts of 2024 (climate law): siting and permitting reform (enacted): State siting board permits storage of 100 MWh or more; consolidated local permits for smaller projects (12-month decision); DOER regulations 225 CMR 29.00 final February 27, 2026. St. 2024, c. 239 (malegislature.gov)
Storage in this place
- EIA Form 860M (September 2026): 742 MW of battery storage operating at 133 plants in Massachusetts, and about 675 MW planned (EIA covers plants of 1 MW or more).
- State law sets a utility procurement target of about 5,000 MW of energy storage by July 31, 2030; it is a purchasing target, not a build mandate.
Places within
- Northfield (Franklin County), MA — the Attorney General disapproved the battery storage moratorium (October 30, 2024)
- Blandford (Hampden County), MA — the Attorney General disapproved the battery storage moratorium (March 11, 2026)
- Wilbraham (Hampden County), MA — battery storage zoning bylaw, approved by the Attorney General (September 5, 2024)
- Petersham (Worcester County), MA — battery storage zoning, mostly approved by the Attorney General (August 13, 2026)
- Wendell (Franklin County), MA — battery storage licensing bylaw disapproved; the Land Court upheld the decision (March 2026)
Sources
- Chapter 239 of the Acts of 2024 (climate law, siting and permitting) Massachusetts Legislature
- G.L. c. 40A §3 — exemptions from local zoning Massachusetts Legislature
- 527 CMR 1.00 — Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code Board of Fire Prevention Regulations
- 780 CMR — 10th edition of the State Building Code Board of Building Regulations and Standards
Check a specific system
For a proposal or a system you're evaluating, answer a few questions in BESScheck: you get the rules that apply here, a checklist of what to ask, and the sources behind each line.