Arapahoe County approves Front Range battery storage project on Lowry Trust land

Arapahoe County commissioners voted May 13 to approve applications from Front Range Energy Storage LLC to subdivide 19.1 acres of Lowry Trust land and site a battery energy storage system adjacent to the Harvest Mile substation.

The approvals were for case PM23-001 (minor subdivision) and UASI23-001 (use by special review with 10-41 standards). The board’s motions—made by Commissioner Jeff Baker (minor subdivision) and Commissioner Mina Campbell (USR/10-41) and seconded as recorded—carried with all present commissioners voting aye; Commissioner Sumi was absent and excused.

The project applicant, Plus Power/Front Range Energy Storage, described the site as a 19.1-acre lot carved from a 102.75-acre parcel owned by the Lowry Trust. Company representatives said the installation would contain rows of enclosed battery containers, switchgear, a site-specific substation and detention facilities and would interconnect to Xcel Energy at the Harvest Mile substation. Todd Messinger, land-use counsel for the applicant, said: “This is a game changer of a project.”

Why it matters

County staff and the applicant told commissioners the facility is intended to store electricity during periods of excess generation and return it to the grid during times of high demand, improving reliability and supporting renewable integration. Applicant…