PGE Reports Non-Project Related Fatality Incident at Lake Simtustus

Strategic Insights -

A body was discovered on September 25, 2025, in Lake Simtustus near the Pelton Dam Development No. 2030. The incident is not project-related and is under investigation by law enforcement. Portland General Electric (PGE) provided formal notification to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on September 26, 2025, in accordance with 18 CFR 12.10(b)(2)(ii).

Key Takeaways:

  • A homicide victim was discovered in Lake Simtustus near the Pelton Dam Development No. 2030 on September 25, 2025.
  • The incident is not project-related and is under investigation by law enforcement, led by the Redmond Police Department.
  • The victim has been identified as 43-year-old James W. Herrera of Redmond, Oregon.
  • The investigation has involved collaborative efforts from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, FBI, Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, and the Oregon State Police.
  • PGE submitted a formal notification to FERC on September 26, 2025, detailing the incident and its non-project-related nature.
  • The related KTVZ News article includes a news release from the Redmond Police, detailing the incident and the ongoing investigation.

Statistics:

  • September 25, 2025: The date when the body of the homicide victim was discovered in Lake Simtustus.
  • 43: The age of the victim, James W. Herrera.
  • 5 miles: The distance between the Pelton Dam and the point of discovery, located in Jefferson County.
  • 541-693-6911 and 541-475-6520: Phone numbers for the public to report information related to the case to the Redmond Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, respectively.
  • October 1, 2025 6:09 pm: The publication date and time of the KTVZ News article detailing the incident.

Sources:

  • PRB-32.2025: A document submitted by PGE to the FERC, detailing the non-project related fatality incident.
  • KTVZ News article, "Redmond police identify homicide victim found in Jefferson County" published on October 1, 2025, 6:09 pm.
  • Email from PGE dated September 26, 2025 (PRB-Email 40.2025)
  • Email from FERC dated September 26, 2025 (FERC-Email PRB 13.2025)