Pacific Gas and Electric Company Requests Extension for Spillway Screening-Level Risk Analysis

Strategic Insights -

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has submitted a document to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) requesting an extension of time to complete a spillway screening-level risk analysis (SSLRA) for five of its spillways. PG&E is using the results of the SSLRA to support its long-term spillway capital improvement program (CIP). The company has conducted an in-person SSLRA workshop and is finalizing the workshop findings report. However, PG&E has decided to postpone its risk-informed prioritization of future spillway CIP projects to consider the results of two ongoing risk assessments.

Key Takeaways:

  • PG&E has submitted a request for an extension of time to complete a SSLRA and prioritize improvements at five of its spillways.
  • The SSLRA is part of PG&E's long-term spillway CIP, which currently includes planned projects at 14 spillways.
  • PG&E has conducted an in-person SSLRA workshop and is finalizing the workshop findings report.
  • PG&E has decided to postpone its risk-informed prioritization of future spillway CIP projects to consider the results of two ongoing risk assessments.
  • The company is conducting FERC Part 12D comprehensive assessments (CA) of the spillways at Belden Forebay and Lake Almanor, which will supersede the SSLRAs completed in 2023.
  • PG&E is scheduled to complete the L2RAs in the summer of 2025 and submit the results to FERC by December 1, 2025.

Statistics:

  • 14: Number of spillways included in PG&E's long-term spillway CIP.
  • 5: Number of spillways for which PG&E is requesting an extension of time to complete a SSLRA.
  • 2023: Year in which PG&E completed SSLRA for 9 of the 14 spillways.
  • 2025 (Summer): Scheduled completion date for L2RAs at Belden Forebay and Lake Almanor.
  • 2025 (December 1): Scheduled submission date for L2RAs results to FERC.

Sources:

  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company. (2025, June 30). Screening-Level Portfolio Risk Analysis for Multiple Dams - Extension of Time Request. FERC No. 2310-CA.
  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. (2023, August 4). Letter to FERC, Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
  • PG&E. (2024, June 26). Original SSLRA plan and schedule.