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United States. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Nantahala Hydroelectric Project Experiences Brief Interruption Due to Tree Down in the River

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC submitted a notification to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regarding an interruption of the Recreation Flow release at the Nantahala Hydroelectric Project No. P-2692. The incident occurred on July 24, 2025, when a tree was reported down in the river, creating hazardous conditions for recreation users. To mitigate the situation, Duke Energy delayed the start of the Nantahala Hydro unit by 7 minutes, allowing personnel to remove the tree. The unit's runtime was extended until 5:15 PM to make up for the delayed flow release.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Nantahala Hydroelectric Project No. P-2692 experienced an interruption of the Recreation Flow release due to a tree down in the river.
  • The tree was reported to be river-wide, posing a significant hazard to recreation users.
  • Duke Energy delayed the start of the Nantahala Hydro unit by 7 minutes to allow personnel to remove the fallen tree.
  • The unit's runtime was extended until 5:15 PM to make up for the delayed flow release.
  • The incident was communicated to stakeholders via email, and authorized personnel from Duke Energy and external agencies worked together to remove the tree.
  • The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences, according to the quote from Eleanor Roosevelt mentioned in the email chain.

Statistics:

  • 7 minutes: the duration of the delay in the start of the Nantahala Hydro unit.
  • 30 minutes: the estimated time required to remove the fallen tree.
  • 5:00 PM: the original scheduled end time of the Recreation Flow release.
  • 5:15 PM: the actual end time of the Recreation Flow release after the delay.
  • 1 tree: the number of trees that fell in the river, creating hazardous conditions for recreation users.

Sources:

  • Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC. (2025). WATER STRATEGY, HYDRO LICENSING AND LAKE SERVICES.
  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. [No date]. Nantahala Hydroelectric Project No. P-2692.
  • Jacobsen Kastorff, J. (2025, July 24). [EXTERNAL] Re: Tree Down: Work in Progress.
  • Jacobsen Kastorff, J. (2025, July 24). [EXTERNAL] Re: Tree Down: Work in Progress.
  • Stuart, A. (2025, July 24). Notification of Interruption of Recreational Flow Release per License Article 405.

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