Brookfield Seeks New License for Maine's Lewiston Falls Hydro Project
Published Date: 2/5/2025
Notice
Summary
Brookfield White Pine Hydro LLC wants a new license to run the Lewiston Falls Hydroelectric Project on the Androscoggin River in Maine. The public can join in by sharing their thoughts or concerns by March 31, 2025. This process could affect local communities and the environment, so it’s a big deal for anyone near Lewiston, Auburn, and Durham.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Project Minimum Flow and Current Releases
The current license requires Brookfield to release a minimum flow of 1,430 cubic feet per second (cfs) or inflow, whichever is less. Brookfield states it meets this requirement by releasing 50 cfs to the Lewiston Canal System and 1,380 cfs to the river downstream of the project.
File Scoping Comments and Intervene by March 31
You can file scoping comments, protests, or a motion to intervene in the Lewiston Falls licensing proceeding. All comments, motions to intervene, and protests must be received on or before March 31, 2025, and the Commission encourages electronic filing through its eFiling or eComment systems.
Public Scoping Meetings on February 19, 2025
You may attend two public scoping meetings on February 19, 2025 (9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. EST and 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. EST) at the Hampton Inn Lewiston/Auburn (15 Lincoln Street, Lewiston, Maine) to provide oral or written scoping comments for the Lewiston Falls Project.
Environmental Site Review — RSVP by February 10
An environmental site review of the Lewiston Falls Project will begin at 8:00 a.m. on February 20, 2025; meeting suggested at the Hampton Inn Lewiston/Auburn to carpool. If you plan to attend, you must RSVP to Brookfield's Luke Anderson by February 10, 2025.
Project Boundary Change: 0.08 Acre Removed
The licensee proposes to remove a privately owned, non-project building near the Canal Gatehouse from the project boundary, reducing the project boundary by 0.08 acre and leaving 237.88 acres within the project boundary.
NEPA and Processing Schedule Through October 2026
The Commission's anticipated processing schedule lists key dates: Scoping Document 1 issued January 2025; scoping comments due March 2025; Notice of Ready for Environmental Analysis in August 2025; agency comments due October 2025; Commission issues draft NEPA document in April 2026 and final NEPA document in October 2026.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13772 — Freeport LNG Development, L.P.; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Regasification Terminal Disconnect Project
Freeport LNG wants to remove some facilities on Quintana Island, Texas, and the government is asking the public to share their thoughts on how this might affect the environment. If you live nearby or care about nature, now’s your chance to speak up before August 3, 2026. This feedback will help decide if the project moves forward and how it might impact the community and environment.
2026-13776 — Increasing Market and Planning Efficiency Through Improved Software; Second Supplemental Notice of Technical Conference on Increasing Market and Planning Efficiency Through Improved Software
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is hosting a technical conference on July 7-8, 2026, to explore how better software can make energy markets and planning smarter and more efficient. This affects energy grid operators and market participants who rely on improved tech to forecast and manage power better. While no specific cases will be decided, the talks could influence future rules and investments in energy software.
2026-13770 — Grid Growth Ohio, LLC, Grid Growth Ohio EHV, LLC; Notice of Institution of Section 206 Proceeding and Refund Effective Date
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is checking if Grid Growth Ohio’s new pricing plan is fair or not. This affects customers and companies using their electricity rates, with possible money refunds starting July 8, 2026. If you want to speak up, you’ve got 21 days to join the conversation and make your voice heard!
2026-13694 — Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC-561); Comment Request; Extension
FERC is asking for public feedback to keep collecting info on utility company leaders who also work with big banks, insurers, and major electricity buyers. This annual report helps keep things transparent and fair in the energy world. Comments are due by September 8, 2026, and there’s no new cost or big changes—just an extension of the current process.
2026-13680 — Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got several new filings from natural gas companies about pipeline rates and refunds. These filings could change how much some companies charge or refund customers, with some changes starting as soon as July 1, 2026. If you’re involved with these pipelines or rates, keep an eye on comment deadlines in mid to late July to have your say!
2026-13692 — Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC-556); Comment Request; Extension
FERC is extending the paperwork rules for small power producers and cogenerators for another three years—no changes, just a smooth continuation. If you run or work with these facilities, you can keep submitting the same info as before. Got thoughts? You’ve got until September 8, 2026, to share them!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-02224 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of a Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Procedures for Non-Federal Navigation Facilities
The FAA is asking for public feedback as it seeks to renew its approval to collect info about non-federal navigation facilities like local airports and private air navigation aids. This helps keep these facilities safe and up to FAA standards. No changes or new costs are planned—just a smooth renewal to keep things flying safely.
Next: 2025-02226 — Increasing Market and Planning Efficiency Through Improved Software; Notice of Technical Conference: Increasing Real-Time and Day-Ahead Market and Planning Efficiency Through Improved Software
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is hosting a technical conference on July 8-10, 2025, to explore how better software can make electricity markets and planning faster and smarter. This affects power system operators, software developers, and anyone involved in keeping our lights on. The goal is to boost efficiency and reliability without extra costs, using new tech like AI and improved tools for planning and interconnection.