NC S728

Requires a permit from the Department of Environmental Quality to install or operate utility-scale battery energy storage systems (1 megawatt or greater capacity), with at least one public meeting held in the county where the system is proposed

Mandates emergency response and evacuation plans coordinated with local officials, addressing equipment malfunctions, resident safety, air quality impacts, water supply threats, and shelter-in-place procedures

Requires decommissioning within one year of ceasing operations, including disconnecting from the grid, removing and recycling equipment, and restoring the property to its original condition or an agreed-upon alternative

Establishes financial assurance requirements (through insurance, surety bonds, letters of credit, or other mechanisms) to ensure funds are available for decommissioning even if the owner becomes insolvent

Creates the Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage Management Fund to support proper decommissioning, funded by permit fees collected from system owners