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United States. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Upper Mechanicville Hydroelectric Project: 90-Day Status Update

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The New York State Electric and Gas Corporation has submitted a 90-day status update to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regarding the ongoing discussions between NYSEG, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and Trout Unlimited regarding the proposed reopening of the February 19, 2020 Settlement Agreement for the Upper Mechanicville Hydroelectric Project. The parties have been engaging in monthly virtual meetings to discuss downstream American eel passage-related issues and proposed mitigation measures. NYSEG requests that the Commission continue to hold in abeyance its June 5, 2024 Petition to Reopen the Settlement due to a Change in Circumstance.

Key Takeaways:

  • NYSEG is working with USFWS, NYSDEC, and TU to address downstream American eel passage-related issues at the Upper Mechanicville Hydroelectric Project.
  • The parties have been participating in monthly virtual meetings since July 2025 to discuss proposed mitigation measures and activities.
  • NYSEG has requested that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission continue to hold in abeyance its June 5, 2024 Petition to Reopen the Settlement due to a Change in Circumstance.
  • Monthly meetings are scheduled to continue until a path forward is determined regarding measures to be deployed at the project.
  • NYSEG will file an update with the Commission within 90 days of this filing to inform the progress of the ongoing discussions.
  • The Upper Mechanicville Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 2934-060) has been involved in ongoing discussions regarding the proposed reopening of the February 19, 2020 Settlement Agreement.

Statistics:

  • 3 monthly virtual meetings have been held since July 2025 between NYSEG, USFWS, and NYSDEC to discuss American eel passage-related issues.
  • NYSEG participating in meetings scheduled for September 18, 2025, and submitting a 90-day status update to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on September 12, 2025.
  • 4 parties are involved in ongoing discussions: NYSEG, USFWS, NYSDEC, and TU.
  • 1 petition filed by NYSEG on June 5, 2024, to reopen the Settlement Agreement has been requested to be held in abeyance.

Sources:

  • FERC Project No. 2934-060: Upper Mechanicville Hydroelectric Project
  • New York State Electric and Gas Corporation
  • American Eel Downstream Passage 90-Day Status Update (September 12, 2025) [via eFile]
  • [https://elibrary.ferc.gov]

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