The California Energy Commission (CEC) has scheduled a public meeting on February 24, 2026, to discuss the proposed Prairie Song Reliability Project in Acton, Los Angeles County. The session will be held at the Acton Agua Dulce Library and is open for both in-person and remote participation.
The Prairie Song Reliability Project, LLC seeks approval through the CEC’s Opt-In Certification program to build and operate a battery energy storage system (BESS) on private land in Acton. The planned facility would have an 8-hour duration and a capacity of 1,150 megawatts, capable of storing about 9,200 megawatt hours—enough to power approximately 850,000 homes for eight hours. According to project details, the BESS aims to enhance grid reliability in the Los Angeles Basin local reliability area and could potentially defer or eliminate the need for additional regional transmission infrastructure.
Associated infrastructure includes a substation, inverters, fencing, operations buildings, stormwater basins, communication systems, and connection via overhead lines to Southern California Edison’s Vincent Substation.
After submitting its initial application on July 2, 2025—which was deemed incomplete—the applicant provided updated materials. The CEC declared the application complete on January 30, 2026. This action initiated a statutory 270-day certification process that involves environmental review and public input before any final decision is made.
During the upcoming meeting, CEC staff will explain their role in reviewing the application and engaging with government agencies, California Native American tribes, neighboring communities, and other stakeholders. The project applicant will outline plans for construction and operation. Representatives from the CEC’s Office of the Public Advisor, Energy Equity, and Tribal Affairs will provide information on how members of the public can participate throughout this process.
“As part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s build more, faster agenda,” according to information from the commission’s release,”the state created an alternative permitting pathway 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 this program framework—intended to streamline approvals—the CEC acts as lead agency under state environmental law. Except under specific circumstances, reviews must be completed within 270 days after applications are deemed complete. If approved by the commission following environmental review and public comment periods—a process which includes consultation with local tribes—the issued certificate generally replaces most other required permits at various levels of government.
Safety remains central as battery storage facilities expand across California. “Safe development and operation of BESS has been and remains a top priority for California energy agencies,” states commission material. Recent initiatives include updates to fire codes effective January 1, 2026; new maintenance protocols adopted by regulators; requirements such as compliance with strict safety standards like NFPA 855; collaboration with local first responders; real-time monitoring systems; emergency management centers outside facility perimeters; deflagration panels; thermal cameras for early fire detection; among others—all intended to address evolving risks associated with large-scale battery installations.
The CEC continues its role as California’s primary agency overseeing energy policy planning—including certifying power plants—and works alongside other agencies on innovation investment efforts statewide.
