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Public utilities

Vermont Public Utility Commission Closes Investigation into Green Mountain Power's Hydroelectric Dams

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Vermont Public Utility Commission ("Commission") has issued an order closing its investigation into ten hydroelectric dams owned by Green Mountain Power Corporation ("GMP"). The investigation, which began in February 2021, aimed to gather information about the dams and assess whether the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") has jurisdiction over them. GMP provided extensive information about the dams, including a review of the navigable waters and post-1935 construction criteria. After analyzing this information, the Commission determined that none of the dams trigger FERC's jurisdiction and has closed the investigation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vermont Public Utility Commission ("Commission") opened an investigation into ten hydroelectric dams owned by Green Mountain Power Corporation ("GMP") in February 2021 to gather information about the dams and assess whether the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") has jurisdiction over them.
  • GMP provided extensive information about the dams, including a review of the navigable waters and post-1935 construction criteria, in response to the Commission's request.
  • The Commission determined that none of the dams trigger FERC's jurisdiction based on GMP's information and analysis.
  • The Commission will not be seeking comments from stakeholders or requesting jurisdictional determinations from FERC at this time.
  • Stakeholders who disagree with GMP's analysis are free to petition FERC directly to request a jurisdiction determination for any of the dams.

Statistics:

  • 10 hydroelectric dams owned by Green Mountain Power Corporation ("GMP") were investigated by the Vermont Public Utility Commission ("Commission").
  • The investigation began in February 2021 and involved gathering information about the dams and assessing whether the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") has jurisdiction over them.
  • GMP's analysis reviewed the navigable waters and post-1935 construction criteria for each dam.
  • None of the GMP dams trigger FERC's jurisdiction based on GMP's information and analysis.

Sources:

  • Vermont Public Utility Commission, Case No. 21-0881-INV, Investigation regarding jurisdiction over Green Mountain Power Corporation's Dams (10/21/2021)
  • Green Mountain Power Corporation, FERC filing, August 25, 2021

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