Updated September 2024

In July 2023, PG&E requested a long-term flow regime for the Potter Valley project from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC.) This request was in response to the recently determined seismic risks at Scott Dam which led to a reduction in the water stored in Lake Pillsbury for summer release into the Eel River, and subsequently the East Fork Russian River above Lake Mendocino. The request adjusted minimum instream flows to adapt to a lower water supply (letter linked below.)

In October 2023, FERC responded to PG&E’s request. “In your filing, you request a long-term variance of the minimum flow requirements beginning in 2024 until project decommissioning, which you are planning to initiate by January 2025 with the filing of a surrender application. Due to your request for a continuing variance until such a time as the project is surrendered, Commission staff have determined that your request constitutes an amendment to your project license. As such, Commission staff require additional information to complete our review of your application. Therefore, we are requesting additional information….”(Letter linked below.)

In September 2024, the State Water Resources Control Board issued a letter to update FERC on the water quality certification process for PG&E’s proposed license amendment application, strongly urging that PG&E promptly begin the certification application process necessary (letter linked below.)