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Independent regulatory commissions

Duke Energy Carolinas Addresses FERC Inspections and Follow-Up Items After Hurricane Helene Flooding

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

In response to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) inspections and follow-up items after Hurricane Helene flooding, Duke Energy Carolinas has submitted a document detailing the status of repairs and tasks. The document, addressed to FERC's Mr. William J. Brown, outlines the progress made on the Bridgewater, Rhodhiss, Oxford, and Lookout Shoals developments on the Catawba-Wateree Project.

Key Takeaways:

  • All damaged or destroyed public safety-related signs have been replaced at the Bridgewater Development, and replacement of spillway warning buoy lines is scheduled to be completed by April 18, 2025.
  • A post-flood dam deformation survey was performed at Bridgewater, and the data from the survey is being included in the 2024 DSSMR, along with data from the regularly scheduled 2024 survey.
  • No crest displacement or deformation was observed during post-flood inspections performed by Duke Energy or the FERC.
  • Three activities must be completed prior to performing the required spillway inspections and assessments: stopping spillway flow, restoring access to spillways, and obtaining FERC authorization for a planned license variance.
  • The dive inspection and dewatered inspection were performed at the Paddy Creek Chute Spillway, and the concrete apron at the end of the chute was displaced and must be replaced.

Statistics:

  • Six follow-up items were requested by FERC in their November 4, 2024, letter.
  • All damaged or destroyed public safety-related signs have been replaced at the Bridgewater Development.
  • Replacement of spillway warning buoy lines is scheduled to be completed by April 18, 2025.
  • A post-flood dam deformation survey was performed at Bridgewater during the week of December 2, 2024.
  • Catawba Dam's minimum flow valve was returned to service on November 18, 2024.
  • The combined discharge of the two valves is lower than normal inflows into Bridgewater.
  • The powerhouse first unit is projected to be returned to service by February 14, 2025.

Sources:

  • Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (Letter to FERC's Mr. William J. Brown, dated January 8, 2025)
  • FERC's letter to Duke Energy Carolinas dated November 4, 2024, mentioning the six follow-up items.

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