The bill establishes a comprehensive framework for the regulation and safety of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and electric vehicle (EV) chargers in Massachusetts, as mandated by Section 122 of Chapter 239 of the Acts of 2024. It outlines the role of BESS in enhancing electric grid reliability and integrating renewable energy, while introducing new legal language that places the siting and permitting of BESS with a capacity of 100 MWh or greater under the exclusive authority of the Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB). The bill mandates the EFSB and the Department of Energy Resources to create uniform health, safety, and environmental standards for these projects by March 1, 2026, and emphasizes compliance with fire safety regulations and the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code.

In addition to BESS regulations, the bill highlights the importance of EV chargers in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector and introduces the MassDEP's Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (MassEVIP) to support the installation of EV chargers. It categorizes chargers into three types based on power output and mandates compliance with the Massachusetts Electrical Code and the 2023 edition of the National Electrical Code. The bill also requires that all EV charging equipment be installed by licensed electricians and that electric vehicles sold in Massachusetts starting in model year 2026 must include a charging cord of at least 20 feet in length. Overall, the bill aims to enhance safety, environmental protection, and regulatory clarity for both BESS and EV charger installations in the state.