Water Pipes to Power Homes: California's Pipe Dream Gets FERC Nod
Published Date: 5/15/2025
Notice
Summary
Goleta Water District wants to build a small hydropower project in Goleta, California, that uses water pipes to generate clean energy without changing how water is delivered. The project could produce enough electricity to power about 20 homes each year and is currently under review. People have until a set deadline to share their thoughts or get involved before final approval.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
56 kW Conduit Project Qualifies; No License
FERC staff preliminarily determined that the proposed Ellwood Hydroelectric Energy Recovery Project in Goleta, California (56 kW installed capacity; about 214 megawatt-hours estimated annual generation) meets the statutory criteria for a qualifying conduit hydropower facility and therefore is not required to be licensed or exempted from licensing under section 30 of the Federal Power Act.
Public Comment and Intervention Deadline
Anyone may file comments, contest the qualification, or file motions to intervene in this FERC proceeding; the deadline for filing comments, comments contesting qualification, and motions to intervene is June 9, 2025. Commenters can use FERC's eFiling system or submit brief comments up to 6,000 characters via the eComment system and may contact the Commission's Office of Public Participation for help.
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Key Dates
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