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United States. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Public Utilities Commission of Colorado Issues Decision on Decommissioning of Salida Unit One Hydroelectric Facility

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Public Utilities Commission of Colorado has issued a decision regarding the decommissioning of the Salida Unit One hydroelectric facility. The decision, dated March 15, 2023, reflects the Commission's consideration of Public Service Company of Colorado's petition for declaratory order that no Commission authorization is required to decommission the facility. The Commission has accepted the filing as an application containing a petition for declaratory order and established a 30-day notice and intervention period. Interventions and responsive briefs must be filed by April 27, 2023.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Public Utilities Commission of Colorado has issued a decision regarding the decommissioning of the Salida Unit One hydroelectric facility, which is owned by Public Service Company of Colorado.
  • The decision reflects the Commission's consideration of Public Service Company's petition for declaratory order that no Commission authorization is required to decommission the facility.
  • The Commission has accepted the filing as an application containing a petition for declaratory order, which is consistent with the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure.
  • The notice and intervention period for the application shall expire at 5:00 p.m. on April 27, 2023.
  • Any person desiring to intervene or participate as a party in the proceeding shall file a petition for leave to intervene, or under the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure, file other appropriate pleadings to become a party, no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 27, 2023.
  • The Commission may consider the application without a hearing if no notice of intervention as of right or motion to permissively intervene is timely filed, or no notice of intervention as or right or motion to permissively intervene requests a hearing or contests or opposes the application.
  • Public Service Company of Colorado shall retain ownership of the land and existing powerhouse at least until the decommissioning of Salida Unit Two, which is scheduled for 2027 at the earliest.
  • The facility is no longer being used to generate power, and Public Service Company has determined that it is more cost-effective and in the public interest to decommission the facility.

Statistics:

  • The facility has been in operation since 1906.
  • Public Service Company of Colorado expects a final order from FERC as early as this Spring regarding the decommissioning plan.
  • The Commission has waived additional notice provisions, as required by Rule 1206 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure.
  • The notice and intervention period shall expire at 5:00 p.m. on April 27, 2023.
  • Responsive briefs must be filed by 5:00 p.m. on April 27, 2023.

Sources:

  • Decision No. C23-0206-I, Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado, March 15, 2023.
  • "Proceeding No. 23A-0141E, Public Utilities Commission of the State of Colorado, March 15, 2023.
  • 4 Code of Colorado Regulations (CCR) 723-1.
  • Rule 1206 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure.
  • Rule 1303 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure.
  • Rule 1304(f)(I) of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure.

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