Public Service Company of Colorado Seeks Approval for Hydroelectric Amendment

Strategic Insights -

The Public Service Company of Colorado has submitted an application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for a non-capacity amendment of the license for the Georgetown Hydroelectric Project. The project, located on South Clear Creek in Georgetown and Clear Creek counties, Colorado, aims to address dam safety and water quality concerns by constructing a stream bypass pipeline to temporarily divert up to 200 cubic feet per second from the creek. This would ultimately discharge just downstream of the dam, with the required minimum flows continuing to be released.

The proposed project has sparked interest among various stakeholders, including federal, state, local, and Tribal agencies, as well as landowners and community organizations. The Commission is inviting these parties to cooperate in the preparation of any environmental document, if applicable, and to file comments, motions to intervene, and protests by August 7, 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Public Service Company of Colorado has applied for a non-capacity amendment of the license for the Georgetown Hydroelectric Project, which involves constructing a stream bypass pipeline to address dam safety and water quality concerns.
  • The project aims to temporarily divert up to 200 cubic feet per second from South Clear Creek and discharge it just downstream of the dam.
  • The required minimum flows would continue to be released, but the method of delivery would change.
  • The Commission is inviting federal, state, local, and Tribal agencies, as well as landowners and community organizations, to cooperate in the preparation of any environmental document, if applicable.
  • Comments, motions to intervene, and protests must be submitted by August 7, 2025.
  • The Commission's Office of Public Participation (OPP) is supporting meaningful public engagement and participation in the Commission proceedings.
  • OPP can help members of the public, including landowners, community organizations, Tribal members, and others access publicly available information and navigate Commission processes.

Statistics:

  • Up to 200 cubic feet per second of water would be diverted from South Clear Creek.
  • The stream bypass pipeline would be constructed to temporarily divert water around the Forebay Reservoir and Dam.
  • The project aims to support water management efforts until the dam can be decommissioned.
  • Comments, motions to intervene, and protests must be submitted by August 7, 2025.
  • The Commission's Office of Public Participation (OPP) can be contacted at (202) 502-6595 or OPP@ferc.gov for public inquiries and assistance with making filings.

Sources:

  • UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Public Service Company of Colorado Project No. 2187-046 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR NON-CAPACITY AMENDMENT OF LICENSE ACCEPTED FOR FILING, SOLICITING COMMENTS, MOTIONS TO INTERVENE, AND PROTESTS (July 8, 2025)
  • Document Accession #: 20250708-3037 Filed Date: 07/08/2025