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cleantechsandiego. org
MISSION:
To accelerate
clean technology
innovation and
promote the
equitable
deployment
of sustainable
solutions across
the San Diego
region for the
benefit of the
economy, the
environment, and
all members of
the community.
October 4, 2025
The Honorable John McCann, Mayor and
City Councilmembers
City of Chula Vista
276 Fourth Avenue
Chula Vista, CA 91910
RE: Support for Agenda Item 7.2: Conditional Use Permit & Design Review: New Construction and Establishment of a Battery Energy Storage System ( BESS) Facility, Chula Vista City Council Meeting, October 7, 2025 Dear Mayor McCann and Councilmembers:
On behalf of Cleantech San Diego, please accept this letter as one of support for Agenda Item 7. 2, City of Chula Vista City Council Meeting, October 7, 2025.
As background, Cleantech San Diego is a member- based business organization founded 18 years ago to position the San Diego region as a leader in the cleantech economy. We represent the renewable energy industry, a critical sector that employs close to 40, 000 people in our region and has a $9. 4 billion impact on our regional economy.
Battery energy storage systems ( BESS) like Chula Vista Energy Center 2 ( CVEC2) are critical to San Diego’ s clean energy transition. They store solar power during the day, when it is plentiful, and share it at dusk when electricity demand rises. By doing so, they keep our energy grid stable and reliable – which is critical for our region and our economy.
BESS prevent blackouts during heat waves and reduce grid stress when electricity demand peaks. California has had no Flex Alerts since 2022 after doubling its battery storage capacity, despite experiencing the hottest July on record in 2024. Locally, the San Diego region already has over 1 gigawatt of battery storage installed, and studies show we will need far more to meet state and regional climate goals.
In addition to being critical infrastructure, BESS are safe and are designed and constructed using the latest in technology and safety advancements.
Cleantech San Diego has done extensive research to gauge the public’ s understanding of battery energy storage systems, and our data tells us clearly that the region overwhelmingly supports battery storage and views it as essential infrastructure for our clean energy future. A recent public opinion survey conducted at the request of Cleantech San Diego found that 65 percent of residents support California’ s transition to clean energy, 66 percent support BESS in San Diego County, and 57 percent would support BESS in their neighborhoods.
CVEC2 reflects what Chula Vista has long stood for, forward- thinking leadership on climate and energy. It will exceed fire code requirements and operate using the highest safety standards. Additionally, this project will help the City meet its Climate Action Plan targets while also delivering significant local benefits, including providing nearly $ 800, 000 in new tax revenue to strengthen local schools and essential city services. The project will create more than 130 construction jobs and several ongoing positions, contributing to the region’ s clean energy workforce.
Item 7.2 - Written Communications
Anderson - Received 10/6/2025
Cleantech San Diego urges you to support Agenda Item 7. 2 and adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. CUP24- 0024 and Design Review No. DR24- 0016 allowing for the establishment and construction of the CVEC2.
Sincerely,
Jason Anderson
President and CEO
Cleantech San Diego
Item 7.2 - Written Communications
Anderson - Received 10/6/2025