VERGENNES — The City of Vergennes will host an information session this week about a possible energy project that has sparked controversy.

On Wednesday, June 3, people will have the opportunity to listen in and ask questions regarding Lightshift Energy’s proposed battery energy storage project, which they hope to pursue at 99 Panton Road.

The 4.99 megawatt energy storage system, or BESS, is pitched as having the potential to reduce electric bills for Vermonters and improve delivery to homes and businesses, as well as hasten integration of renewable energy on the grid.

But as of April, over 250 people had expressed via a petition concern that the proposed five shipping container-size lithium-ion batteries could be dangerous or pose environmental risks.

An electrical engineering professor from the University of Vermont has said the chance of battery fires starting and spreading are low, and he went as far as to compare the risks to that of a gas station. Additionally, Fire Chief David DiBiase is comfortable with the idea of the project, he said previously.

The meeting is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. at the Vergennes Opera House. The meeting agenda is as follows:

• Introduction to LightShift Energy.

• Overview of proposed project in Vergennes.

• Overview of Energy Storage Industry.

• Overview of the Vermont permitting process.

• Q & A Session.