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Independent regulatory commissions

FERC Issues Delegated Order for Wissota Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) Office of Energy Projects Division of Dam Safety and Inspections has issued a delegated order for the Wissota Hydroelectric Project, operated by Xcel Energy. The dam safety inspection, conducted by Mr. Paul Kokoszka on June 11, 2025, found no deficiencies that would require immediate remedial action. However, the commission raised concerns over several issues, including minor material loss along the newly installed upstream sheet pile wall, exceedances of drain flow threshold levels, and the need for sediment collection procedures.

Key Takeaways:

  • The dam safety inspection of the Wissota Hydroelectric Project found no deficiencies requiring immediate remedial action.
  • Minor material loss was observed along the newly installed upstream sheet pile wall, which should be replaced as part of regular maintenance.
  • Drains 1 and 3 at the toe of Embankment B exceeded their flow threshold levels, but no apparent issues with the structure were reported.
  • The commission expects forthcoming Dam Safety Surveillance and Monitoring Plan updates to include threshold and action levels for all drains and procedures for collecting information about sediment.
  • Xcel Energy has been granted an extension of time to update the plan and a separate extension for filing the North Embankment Slope Stability Analysis.
  • The next submission of the Dam Safety Surveillance and Monitoring Report is due by April 1, 2026.

Statistics:

  • 2024: The Hydro Lane Dike Improvement project was completed.
  • 2024: Drains 1 and 3 at the toe of Embankment B exceeded their flow threshold levels (September and October for Drain 1, October for Drain 3).
  • 2025: The dam safety inspection was conducted on June 11, 2025.
  • 2025: Xcel Energy submitted the March 2025 Dam Safety Surveillance and Monitoring Report, which indicated the dam is safe.

Sources:

  • Washington: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Issues the following Delegated Order: FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Office of Energy Projects Division of Dam Safety and Inspections Chicago Regional Office
  • In reply refer to: P-2567 July 8, 2025 Via Electronic Mail Mr. Donald Hartinger Plant Director, Renewable Operations - Hydro Xcel Energy
  • Document Accession #: 20250708-3038 Filed Date: 07/08/2025

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