Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Issues Delegated Order to Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a delegated order to Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) regarding seismic evaluations for the Shasta Watershed projects. The order is in response to submittals from PG&E on May 2, 2022, March 15, 2023, and April 14, 2023. FERC has reviewed PG&E's plans and schedules for completing various seismic-related items and has raised concerns regarding the proposed length of time before a revised seismic stability analysis of the spillway structure at Pit No. 5 Open Conduit Dam is completed.

Key Takeaways:

  • PG&E's plans and schedules for completing seismic-related items are acceptable.
  • FERC recommends that PG&E evaluate whether interim risk reduction measures are necessary before the updated study is completed.
  • Specific items and their due dates are listed in the enclosure: 17 items due by February 29, 2024, 11 items due by May 31, 2024, 7 items due by June 30, 2024, 8 items due by October 31, 2024, 7 items due by April 30, 2025, 7 items due by June 30, 2025, and 1 item due by October 30, 2027.
  • Items addressed in the subject letters that have subsequent submittals are not listed in the enclosure.
  • FERC has requested that PG&E address Comment No. 2 within 45 days of the letter's date or provide a plan and schedule to address this comment.

Statistics:

  • 17 items due by February 29, 2024.
  • 11 items due by May 31, 2024.
  • 7 items due by June 30, 2024.
  • 4 items due by October 31, 2024.
  • 13 items due by April 30, 2025.
  • 8 items due by June 30, 2025.
  • 15 items due by December 15, 2025.
  • 1 item due by October 30, 2027.

Sources:

  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Delegated Order, December 21, 2023.
  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Various Seismic-Related Items Plan and Schedule Enclosure, May 2, 2022, March 15, 2023, and April 14, 2023.