Vermont Public Utility Commission Approves Green Mountain Power Corporation's Replacement of Penstock at Glen Hydroelectric Facility

Strategic Insights -

The Vermont Public Utility Commission (PUC) has issued an order approving Green Mountain Power Corporation's (GMP) request for a non-substantial change determination regarding the replacement of a penstock at the Glen Hydroelectric Facility in Rutland, Vermont. The proposal involves replacing 1,240 feet of the existing penstock, which has reached the end of its anticipated service life. The new penstock will be of the same size, type, and diameter as the existing one, and will be buried to improve safety and reduce corrosion.

The PUC's order adopts the Proposal for Decision, which concludes that the proposed project does not amount to a substantial change because it does not have the potential to create significant impacts under any of the Section 248 criteria. The Commission also found that the project qualifies as "replacement of existing facilities with equivalent facilities in the usual course of business" and therefore does not require a Certificate of Public Good (CPG). As a condition of approval, GMP must complete the project in compliance with the plans and evidence submitted in the proceeding, all permits and approvals required for the project, and all other applicable regulations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vernon Public Utility Commission has approved Green Mountain Power Corporation's request for a non-substantial change determination for the replacement of a penstock at the Glen Hydroelectric Facility in Rutland, Vermont.
  • The proposal involves replacing 1,240 feet of the existing penstock, which has reached the end of its anticipated service life.
  • The new penstock will be of the same size, type, and diameter as the existing one, and will be buried to improve safety and reduce corrosion.
  • The Commission found that the project does not have the potential to create significant impacts under any of the Section 248 criteria.
  • The project qualifies as "replacement of existing facilities with equivalent facilities in the usual course of business" and therefore does not require a Certificate of Public Good (CPG).
  • GMP must complete the project in compliance with the plans and evidence submitted in the proceeding, all permits and approvals required for the project, and all other applicable regulations.
  • The project will allow for the continued safe and reliable operation of the Glen Hydroelectric Facility.
  • The project will provide an economic benefit to Vermont by allowing GMP to continue to operate the facility.
  • The project is consistent with the principles for resource selection expressed in GMP's most recently approved least-cost integrated resource plan and with the 2022 Vermont Comprehensive Energy Plan.

Statistics:

  • 1,240 feet of existing penstock to be replaced.
  • 7,750 feet long and 78" diameter steel penstock pipe.
  • 420-foot section of penstock to be buried.
  • Three laydown areas to be used temporarily during construction.
  • Certain access routes to be improved with added gravel.
  • Temporary measures to be removed and land above the project to be seeded and restored.
  • GMP has received authorization from the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources for construction stormwater activities under General Permit 3-9020.
  • No impacts on orderly development of the area, system stability and reliability, or the existing transmission system.

Sources:

  • Vermont Public Utility Commission, "Order Regarding Request for a Non-Substantial Change Determination" (Case No. 23-2304-PET).
  • Green Mountain Power Corporation, "Petition for a Non-Substantial Change Determination" (Docket No. 23-2304-PET).
  • Vermont Department of Public Service, "Comments on Petition for a Non-Substantial Change Determination" (Docket No. 23-2304-PET).
  • Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, "Comments on Petition for a Non-Substantial Change Determination" (Docket No. 23-2304-PET).