PG&E Tweaks River Flows: Public Weighs In on Hydro Changes
Published Date: 4/22/2025
Notice
Summary
Pacific Gas & Electric wants to temporarily change how much water flows through their Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project on the Eel and Russian Rivers in California. This affects local communities, wildlife, and water users, and the public has until May 16, 2025, to share their thoughts or get involved. No big money changes are mentioned, but the decision could impact water and power management in the area.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Lake Pillsbury Storage Reduced by ~20,000 AF
Pacific Gas & Electric says leaving Scott Dam spillway gates open will reduce Lake Pillsbury storage by about 20,000 acre-feet to 56,000 acre-feet. The company requests the variance start immediately on Commission approval and end when storage exceeds 36,000 acre-feet after October 1, 2025 (or if another order supersedes it).
Scott Dam Flow Releases Changed (20–35 cfs)
The licensee proposes releasing flows below Scott Dam (gage E-2) consistent with a critical water year minimum of 20 cubic feet per second (cfs), though actual releases would likely be closer to the facility minimum of 35 cfs. The variance is requested to begin immediately upon approval and run until the storage condition noted above is met.
East Branch Russian River Minimums Cut to 25 cfs (Possible 5 cfs)
The licensee would reduce minimum flows in the East Branch Russian River (gage E-16) to the dry water year minimum of 25 cfs, with flexibility to further reduce flows to a critical water year requirement of 5 cfs depending on water availability, safety, and temperature. After September 30, 2025, the licensee would resume the dry water year flow release of 25 cfs.
Eel River Compliance & Monitoring Changes
The licensee requests modifying compliance at the Eel River below Cape Horn Dam (gage E-11) from an instantaneous requirement to a 24-hour average, and includes provisions for water temperature and biological monitoring, environmental mitigation, and monthly consultation during the variance.
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