safety
Covina residents battle against a proposed battery energy storage facility
By Anjanette Gile at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio)
· July 7, 2026
· 3 min read
Battery storage hubs are used to stabilize the energy grid but have led to lithium battery fires in some cities.(Sandy Huffaker / Getty Images)Community members pushed back against a proposal for a battery energy storage facility at a Covina City Council meeting on Tuesday night.The council had ...
Key takeaway The proposed project is a 110-megawatt storage system that would consist of two structures that take up 3.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The Covina City Council's vote on the battery energy storage project comes at a critical time for the city's residents, who are weighing the potential benefits of a more reliable electrical grid against the very real risks of lithium battery fires. The project's proposed location in a mixed business and residential area in northeast Covina has raised concerns about noise pollution, fires, and insurance hikes, all of which could have a significant impact on the daily lives of those living and working nearby. The city's planning commission has already voted unanimously against the project, citing resident feedback, and it remains to be seen whether the city council will follow suit. As the city considers this project, it must also consider the broader implications for public safety and the potential consequences of a large-scale battery fire in a densely populated area.
About this story
Original reporting by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: safety ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Battery storage hubs are used to stabilize the energy grid but have led to lithium battery fires in some cities.(Sandy Huffaker / Getty Images)Community members pushed back against a proposal for a battery energy storage facility at a Covina City Council meeting on Tuesday night.The council had ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Anjanette Gile at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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