Local Outreach

The Laurel Creek project has been in development since 2021 and is focused on helping the community and state meet its climate protection and energy reliability goals. We are committed to working with the Smyth County community, Smyth County first responders, and local stakeholders, keeping them involved throughout the development process. Construction of the Laurel Creek Energy Storage facility is anticipated to start in 2028. The 2029 completion of the facility will contribute to APCo’s reliability needs, as well as Virginia’s goal to reach 3,100 MW of energy storage by 2032.

Community Benefits

The Laurel Creek Energy Storage facility will be a good neighbor and a valuable asset to the surrounding community for decades to come. The project will provide necessary capacity to the region with no air polluting emissions. As a static facility with insignificant traffic and minimal municipal services, the facility will have little impact on neighbors. Significant project benefits to the community include:

• High-paying construction jobs

• Enhanced resiliency from a new, state-of-the-art power resource  

• Expanded property tax base for the local district