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United States. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

FERC Certification Request for Rock Island Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Chelan PUD, a public utility district in Washington state, has submitted a request to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for certification of incremental hydropower production at the Rock Island Hydroelectric Project. The request is associated with energy efficiency upgrades made to Unit B3, which were completed on December 17, 2024, and resulted in increased hydropower production. To claim the tax credit for these upgrades, Chelan PUD must submit a return to the IRS by November 15, 2025, making timely FERC certification essential.

Key Takeaways:

  • Chelan PUD is seeking FERC certification for incremental hydropower production at the Rock Island Hydroelectric Project, specifically for Unit B3 upgrades completed on December 17, 2024.
  • The energy efficiency upgrades resulted in increased hydropower production, making the project eligible for tax credits under 26 U.S.C. SSSS 45(c)(8)(B) and 48(a)(5).
  • Chelan PUD submitted a revised project description and baseline hydropower production data, which was verified by the district's staff, in accordance with FERC guidance.
  • The district requests that FERC certifies the incremental hydropower production prior to November 15, 2025, to ensure adequate time for preparing the tax credit filing.
  • Chelan PUD has already met with FERC staff to discuss the upgrade to Unit B3 and is willing to meet again to address any comments or questions.
  • The project's tax credit filing is tied to the completion of the FERC certification process, emphasizing the importance of timely certification.

Statistics:

  • December 17, 2024: The date when the energy efficiency upgrades to Unit B3 were completed at the Rock Island Hydroelectric Project.
  • November 15, 2025: The last day for Chelan PUD to submit a tax credit return to the IRS, contingent on FERC certification.
  • 8: The number of original units at the Rock Island Hydroelectric Project, with Unit B3 being one of them.
  • 2021: The year in which FERC issued guidance for requesting certification of incremental efficiency gains.

Sources:

  • 1 Martha Whiteman, Chelan PUD to Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Secretary, FERC, Project No. 943, Accession No. 20250630-5236, (Jun. 30, 2025).
  • "Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit: Instructions for Requesting Certification of Incremental Hydropower Production Pursuant to the Energy Policy Act of 2005," 2021.

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