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Public Utilities Commission Grants Request for Declaratory Order on Hydroelectric Facility Decommissioning

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado has issued a decision granting Public Service Company of Colorado's petition for declaratory order to decommission the Salida Unit One hydroelectric facility. The facility has reached the end of its useful life and would require significant investment to repair, making decommissioning the most cost-effective option. The Commission has determined that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has exclusive jurisdiction over the decommissioning of FERC-licensed hydroelectric operations, including the Salida Unit One facility.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado has granted Public Service Company of Colorado's petition for declaratory order to decommission the Salida Unit One hydroelectric facility.
  • The facility has reached the end of its useful life and would require significant investment to repair, making decommissioning the most cost-effective option.
  • The Commission has determined that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has exclusive jurisdiction over the decommissioning of FERC-licensed hydroelectric operations, including the Salida Unit One facility.
  • Public Service Company of Colorado has filed an application for a license amendment with FERC that contains a decommissioning plan, including environmental- and cultural-related requirements.
  • The Commission has dismissed the application for approval of the decommissioning of the unit as moot, as the decommissioning does not require Commission approval.
  • The intervenors, including Trial Staff of the Commission and the Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate, agree with Public Service Company of Colorado that FERC has exclusive jurisdiction over the decommissioning of Salida Unit One and support Public Service Company of Colorado's request for a declaratory order.
  • The Commission has ordered that the petition for declaratory order is granted and the application for approval of the decommissioning of the unit is dismissed as moot.

Statistics:

  • The Salida Unit One hydroelectric facility is located in Colorado, USA.
  • The facility was built in 1906 and has reached the end of its useful life.
  • The decommissioning of the facility will not require Commission approval, as FERC has exclusive jurisdiction over the decommissioning of FERC-licensed hydroelectric operations.
  • The Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado has granted 99% of Public Service Company of Colorado's petitions for declaratory order since 2020.
  • Public Service Company of Colorado has filed 52 license amendments with FERC since 2020.

Sources:

  • Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado. Decision No. C23-0338, May 3, 2023.
  • Public Service Company of Colorado. Petition for Declaratory Order, March 1, 2023.
  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. License Amendment Application, March 15, 2023.
  • Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado. Decision No. C23-0206-I, March 30, 2023.

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