CEC to Hold First Public Meeting on Compass Energy Storage Project in San Juan Capistrano

For Immediate Release: May 27, 2025

SACRAMENTO — The California Energy Commission (CEC) will hold a public meeting on the proposed Compass Energy Storage Project in San Juan Capistrano. The purpose of the meeting is for the applicant to explain the project, the CEC to explain the Opt-In Certification process, and for the public to learn more details about how to participate in the CEC proceeding and share their comments about the project. This will be a hybrid meeting with an in-person location as noted below, Zoom access online or by phone and via livestream on the CEC’s YouTube Channel. 

The project developer, Compass Energy LLC, submitted an application to the CEC on April 11, 2024, to seek certification through the CEC’s Opt-In Certification program for a 250-megawatt (MW) battery energy storage system capable of storing up to 1,000 MW-hours. 

The CEC reviewed the application and deemed it complete on April 30, which started a 270-day certification process. The next step is for the CEC to hold a public meeting about the application and process. After that, a staff assessment, including an environmental impact report, will be published, followed by a public meeting and 60-day public comment period. A decision by the CEC on whether to approve the project will follow the completion of the environmental review and public comment process later in the year.

Meeting Details:

• Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025
• Time: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• In-Person: Capistrano Unified School District – Board Room, 33122 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Visit the Compass Energy Storage Project webpage to participate by Zoom or watch on YouTube.

During the meeting, CEC staff will explain their role and responsibility in reviewing the application and engaging with government agencies, California Native American tribes, neighboring communities, interested members of the public, and others. The project applicant will also present its proposed plans for building and operating the project and related facilities. The CEC’s Office of the Public Advisor, Energy Equity, and Tribal Affairs will outline how the public can participate in the process including this meeting, commenting on the environmental review and conditions of certification, later events, and any decision-making phases. 

There will be an opportunity for the public to provide comments. For more information:

• Download and read the Determination of Complete Application.
• For more project details and to sign up to receive email updates on this project, visit the Compass Energy Storage Project application webpage. 

Safe development and operation of battery energy storage systems (BESS) has been and remains a top priority for California energy agencies. CEC is part of a cross-agency collaborative convened by Governor Gavin Newsom to find opportunities to improve safety as technology continues evolving. Key initiatives include an update to the California Fire Code happening this year, expected to include enhanced BESS safety standards. The California Public Utilities Commission in March voted to require new safety protocols for the maintenance and operation of BESS facilities. These and other ongoing efforts are based on the latest studies and consultation with experts to keep California at the forefront of safe and reliable battery storage technology deployment. 

To obtain certification, a BESS would be required to meet strict safety and environmental standards. Possible mitigation requirements include:

• Compliance with top-tier safety measures such as the California Fire Code and National Fire Protection Association standards (NFPA 855).
• Ongoing collaboration with the local fire department so local first responders are fully equipped to handle potential incidents.
• A dedicated command and control center outside the battery energy storage system facility for safe incident management.
• Real-time environmental monitoring of air and water quality in the event of an emergency.
• Deflagration panels to safely vent gases and minimize fire hazards.
• Thermal infrared cameras for real-time monitoring and early detection of potential fire events.

About Opt-In Certification

In 2022, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 205 as part of his build more, faster agenda which is focused on delivering critical infrastructure upgrades throughout California. The bill created an alternative certification option for certain clean energy projects through the CEC's Opt-In Certification program. This program is designed to accelerate the development of clean energy in California and support the retirement of fossil-fuel-based resources.

Under the Opt-In Certification program, the CEC serves as the lead agency for the California Environmental Quality Act and will hold public meetings at or near proposed project locations to gather input on the proposed projects. Except for specific circumstances, the environmental review must be completed within 270 days after the application is deemed complete.

The CEC will invite consultation with California Native American tribes, conduct public meetings in the local area, and facilitate and consider public comment throughout the process. If the CEC approves the project, the issuance of a certificate, in most instances, replaces the need for any permits, certificates, or similar documents required by state, local, regional, or federal agencies to the extent permitted by federal law. If certified, the CEC would monitor construction and operation of the project throughout its lifetime pursuant to established conditions of certification, including enforcement of any violations and decommissioning when appropriate. 

For more information about the program, visit the Opt-In Certification Program webpage.

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About the California Energy Commission 
The California Energy Commission is the state's primary energy policy and planning agency. It has seven core responsibilities: advancing state energy policy, encouraging energy efficiency, certifying thermal power plants, investing in energy innovation, developing renewable energy, transforming transportation, and preparing for energy emergencies.