Sign in Subscribe
Public utilities

Pacific Gas and Electric Company Seeks Extension for Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Pacific Gas and Electric Company has submitted a request to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to extend the deadline for correcting the authorized installed capacity of the Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project. The request comes after a series of delays and challenges, including damage to the turbine shutoff valve (TSV) and a pressure boundary failure of the lower bonnet of the TSV on Bucks Unit 2. PG&E has evaluated the failure and identified a repair method, but final fabrication of the necessary components is still pending.

The project, which has a target completion date of October 31, 2025, has faced numerous setbacks, including design and material challenges, testing delays, and damage to the TSV. PG&E had initially submitted a revised Exhibit A and corrected the authorized installed capacity on March 26, 2024, but has since requested multiple extensions of time to complete the project. This latest request seeks an additional extension until April 30, 2026, to allow for repairs and testing to be completed.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company has submitted a request to FERC to extend the deadline for correcting the authorized installed capacity of the Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project.
  • The project has faced numerous delays and challenges, including damage to the turbine shutoff valve (TSV) and a pressure boundary failure of the lower bonnet of the TSV on Bucks Unit 2.
  • PG&E has evaluated the failure and identified a repair method, but final fabrication of the necessary components is still pending.
  • The project has multiple extensions of time, including a first extension on August 29, 2024, a second extension on December 13, 2024, a third extension on March 26, 2025, and a fourth extension on April 23, 2025.
  • The latest request seeks an additional extension until April 30, 2026, to allow for repairs and testing to be completed.
  • The project has a target completion date of October 31, 2025, but this date may be subject to change due to the ongoing delays and challenges.

Statistics:

  • The project has faced 4 previous extensions of time, with the latest request seeking an additional extension until April 30, 2026.
  • The project has a target completion date of October 31, 2025, with the possibility of further delays.
  • PG&E has evaluated the failure of the TSV and identified a repair method, but final fabrication of the necessary components is still pending.
  • The project has been impacted by multiple delays, including damage to the TSV and a pressure boundary failure of the lower bonnet of the TSV on Bucks Unit 2.

Sources:

  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company. (2025, August 29). RE: Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 619-CA Revised Exhibit A, Correction of Authorized Installed Capacity and Amendment to Article 201 - Extension of Time Request. [Letter to FERC]
  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. (2025, August 29). Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 619-CA. [Document link]

Read more