From No to Yes: Texas City BESS Success

Strategic Community Engagement Transforms Opposition into Unanimous Approval

300MW

Battery Storage Capacity

$47M

Property Tax Revenue

100%

Commission Approval

9 Months

Engagement Campaign

Project Overview

Spearmint Energy’s Red Egret Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) faced significant regulatory and community challenges in Texas City, a diverse community where 1/3 of residents are Black, Hispanic, and White respectively. Through strategic community engagement, Garvey Labs transformed initial skepticism into unanimous city commission approval.

The Challenge

Proposed restrictive BESS ordinance threatening project viability
Limited community awareness of battery storage benefits
Diverse stakeholder groups with varying concerns
Complex regulatory environment requiring multi-agency coordination
Safety concerns from residents about new technology

Garvey Labs Approach

Community stakeholder mapping and engagement strategy
Facilitated partnerships with local business owners
Chamber of Commerce introductions and business forums
Project-based education and community meetings
Safety-focused presentations for emergency responders

9-Month Engagement Timeline

November 2024

Foundation Building

Initial meetings with Texas City officials, fire chief, and emergency management leaders, establishing project approval pathways.

December 2024

Stakeholder Expansion

Engaged local City Commissioners, expanded educational partnerships with Galveston ND, and Chamber of Commerce leaders.

January 2025

Community Council Engagement

Presented project benefits at community advisory council meetings with 45+ local businesses. Built key relationships on planning.

February 2025

Crisis Response

Addressed restrictive BESS ordinance proposal. Delivered 60-day 'PROTECT TEXAS GRID RELIABILITY' campaign with community rallies.

March–August 2025

Strategic Campaign Execution

Championed partnerships, Executive Development Committee engagement, and unified community outreach leading to unanimous approval.

Measurable Results

Unanimous City Commission Approval

6-0 vote on development agreement and zoning change

Economic Development

Secured $47M in property tax revenue over 20 years for Texas City

Grid Reliability

300MW facility provides critical energy storage for growing Houston-Galveston region

Project Timeline

Construction beginning late 2025, operational by 2026-2027

“I’ve lived through hurricane after hurricane in Texas City; sitting in the dark for days and weeks when it was too hot to breathe... The Red Egret project would give us something we desperately need, reliable backup power, while benefiting our community.”

Barbara White

Texas City Resident, Public Meeting Testimony

Strategic Impact

Environmental Justice

Successfully navigated community engagement in diverse population (1/3 White, Black, Hispanic)

Partnership Growth

Forged strategic collaborations expanding market reach.

Operational Efficiency

Streamlined processes for faster campaign execution.

Long-term Impact

Positioned the brand as a leader in its niche.

Ready to Navigate Complex Community Engagement?

Garvey Labs provides strategic community engagement for renewable energy projects in diverse communities.