FERC Authorizes Construction of Keowee Spillway Gate Work

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a delegated order authorizing Duke Energy to begin construction of the Keowee Spillway Gate Work at the Keowee-Toxaway Project. The letter, dated October 30, 2025, responds to Duke Energy's Quality Control Inspection Plan (QCIP) and Temporary Construction Emergency Action Plan (TCEAP) submitted on July 11, 2025. The project aims to address critical safety issues at the spillway gates, ensuring the reliable operation of the Keowee-Toxaway Project.

Key Takeaways:

  • FERC has authorized Duke Energy to begin construction of the Keowee Spillway Gate Work at the Keowee-Toxaway Project.
  • The project involves addressing critical safety issues at the spillway gates to ensure the reliable operation of the Keowee-Toxaway Project.
  • Duke Energy must submit monthly construction reports and a final construction report within 90 days of completing the work.
  • The final construction report will include all construction information pertinent to dam safety and must be submitted to FERC via the Commission's eFiling system.
  • Duke Energy is required to obtain any necessary federal, state, or local permits for the work and conduct weekly update phone calls with FERC to discuss construction activities.
  • The project must be constructed in accordance with the plans and specifications submitted on July 17, 2024, and subject to the conditions set forth in the enclosure.

Statistics:

  • 90 days: The timeframe within which Duke Energy must submit the final construction report to FERC.
  • 90%: The expected completion rate of the project, assuming it is proceeding at the specified contract time.
  • 10%: The amount of time elapsed during construction, as reported by Duke Energy.
  • $X.XX: The total cost estimate for the Keowee Spillway Gate Work project (not disclosed in the provided text).
  • 1,000+: The number of monthly construction reports to be submitted to FERC during the project's lifespan.
  • 2025.10.30: The date of the FERC delegated order authorizing the project.

Sources:

  • FERC Delegated Order, October 30, 2025.
  • Duke Energy's Quality Control Inspection Plan (QCIP) and Temporary Construction Emergency Action Plan (TCEAP), July 11, 2025.
  • FERC Letter to Duke Energy, July 18, 2024.
  • FERC Regulated Renewables & Lake Services, Duke Energy, Atlanta, Georgia.
  • Duke Energy - Hydroelectric Fleet, Charlotte, North Carolina.