FERC Approves Pelton Round Butte Hydroelectric Project's Aerator Final Construction Report and Test Results

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a delegated order approving the Aerator Final Construction Report and Test Results for the Round Butte Development of the Pelton Round Butte Hydroelectric Project. The order, dated July 30, 2025, acknowledges the submission of the report and test results by Portland General Electric, and accepts the proposed plan and schedule to submit a technical memo on slope erosion downstream of the flip bucket. The commission has also accepted the proposed plan and schedule to submit repair plans for the area by June 30, 2027, following the Turbine Shutoff Valve Replacement Project. The order further requires the submission of a summary report of the completed repairs to the spillway prior to the commencement of the Turbine Shutoff Valve Replacement Project.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FERC has approved the Aerator Final Construction Report and Test Results for the Round Butte Development of the Pelton Round Butte Hydroelectric Project.
  • The order acknowledges the submission of the report and test results by Portland General Electric on August 30, 2024, and June 30, 2025, respectively.
  • The commission has accepted Portland General Electric's plan and schedule to submit a technical memo on slope erosion downstream of the flip bucket by August 29, 2025.
  • The commission has also accepted the proposed plan and schedule to submit repair plans for the area by June 30, 2027, following the Turbine Shutoff Valve Replacement Project.
  • The order requires Portland General Electric to submit a summary report of the completed repairs to the spillway prior to the commencement of the Turbine Shutoff Valve Replacement Project.
  • Portland General Electric is reminded to update and file with the Secretary of the Commission any Exhibit Drawings affected by the construction in a timely manner following completion.
  • Queries regarding the order can be directed to Mr. Jordan Reimer of FERC's Portland Regional Office at (503) 552-2720.

Statistics:

  • Date of FERC's delegated order: July 30, 2025
  • Date of Portland General Electric's submission of the Aerator Final Construction Report: August 30, 2024
  • Date of Portland General Electric's submission of the Spillway Tunnel Condition and Test Report: June 30, 2025
  • Deadlines for submission of technical memo on slope erosion: August 29, 2025
  • Deadline for submission of repair plans: June 30, 2027

Sources:

  • FERC's delegated order: (no external link)
  • Letter from David Hendrix to Eric Kennedy, dated July 30, 2025: (no external link)
  • Letter from Eric Kennedy to David Hendrix, dated July 30, 2025: (no external link)