Controversial Battery Storage Plans Withdrawn for Escondido Area

Residents and community groups successfully opposed the proposed Seguro Energy Storage project near residential neighborhoods.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 12:49am

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Plans for a controversial Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility in an unincorporated area near Escondido, California have been withdrawn by the developer, Applied Energy Services. The proposed Seguro Energy Storage project faced strong opposition from local residents and community groups who were concerned about the safety risks of siting such a large lithium battery storage facility in a residential area.

Why it matters

BESS facilities have a history of chemical fires that can be extremely difficult to extinguish and release toxic fumes, posing a serious threat to nearby communities. This withdrawal represents a victory for local residents who organized against the project, highlighting the importance of community input when siting potentially hazardous energy infrastructure.

The details

Applied Energy Services formally requested to withdraw its application for the Seguro Energy Storage project on Friday, citing factors like easement rejection by a nearby hospital and business park, as well as stricter siting requirements, that made the project unfeasible. The proposed facility would have been one of the largest of its kind and the only one in a residentially zoned area surrounded by homes.

  • The Seguro Energy Storage project was first proposed in 2023.
  • In 2024, the Escondido City Council passed a resolution opposing the project.
  • In May 2024, a fire at the Gateway Energy Storage Facility in Otay Mesa burned for almost two weeks.
  • In September 2024, a fire at an SDG&E-owned lithium-ion battery facility in Escondido burned for several days.

The players

Applied Energy Services

A Virginia-based global power company that had been planning to build the Seguro Energy Storage project near Escondido.

JP Theberge

A member of the Elfin Forest/Harmony Grove Town Council, who stated that the community spoke 'loud and clear' in opposing the project.

Escondido City Council

Passed a resolution in 2024 opposing the Seguro Energy Storage project.

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What they’re saying

“We understand the importance of BESS facilities to our energy transition, but we must ensure that the safety of communities is taken into consideration when siting these facilities that have a strong, well-documented history of chemical fires.”

— JP Theberge, Member, Elfin Forest/Harmony Grove Town Council

“Easement rejection by the nearby hospital and nearby business park, as well as stricter siting requirements, made this project a no-go. We're glad the developer has withdrawn their application. We wish them the best and hope they find a site that is suitable while also protecting neighborhoods from potential thermal runaway fires.”

— JP Theberge, Member, Elfin Forest/Harmony Grove Town Council

The takeaway

This withdrawal highlights the importance of community input and safety considerations when siting potentially hazardous energy infrastructure like BESS facilities. It demonstrates that organized local opposition can successfully prevent projects that pose unacceptable risks to nearby residents, even when those projects are deemed important for the broader energy transition.