Hydropower License Tweaked, Comments Invited from Locals
Published Date: 7/17/2025
Notice
Summary
Boott Hydropower wants to update its license to keep running the Lowell Hydroelectric Project on the Merrimack River, which powers parts of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. They’ve made some changes to their application and now the public can share their thoughts. This process could affect local water use and energy production, so folks have a chance to weigh in before decisions are made.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Seasonal Suspension of Canal Generation
Boott proposes to suspend generation and operation of the canal-system power stations during downstream migration for alosines (May through July) and for American eel (August through November). This change would reduce electricity production from those canal stations during those months each year.
Required River Flow Releases
Boott proposes to release 500 cubic feet per second (cfs) into the bypassed reach from the Pawtucket Dam during the upstream migratory fish passage season and 100 cfs, or inflow whichever is less, to the bypassed reach during the rest of the year. These mandatory flow releases set specific minimum river flows for fish passage and river conditions.
Decommissioning One Canal Power Station
In the amended application Boott proposes to decommission the Assets Power Station (three units, total installed capacity 792 kW) but continue operating the other three canal power stations. The company would file a decommissioning plan for the Assets Power Station within 1 year of license issuance.
Replace Fish Elevator with Ladder Within 3 Years
Boott proposes to replace the existing fish elevator at the E.L. Field Powerhouse with a short tailrace fish ladder within three years of license issuance, then cease use of the elevator and conduct a 1-year 'shakedown' and effectiveness evaluation of the new ladder. The fish ladder work is intended to move migratory fish upstream to the bypassed reach.
Nightly E.L. Field Powerhouse Shutdowns
Boott proposes nightly shutdowns of the E.L. Field Powerhouse from August 15 through November 15 each year until a proposed fish exclusion facility is installed. These shutdowns would temporarily stop generation overnight during that period.
Tour Boat Operations Agreement Maintained
Boott proposes to maintain an operating agreement with the National Park Service to allow tour boat operations to navigate the canal system. That provision supports continued boat tours and related recreation activities at the project.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20416, Commission Information Collection Activities (FERC-603); Comment Request; Extension
FERC is renewing its info collection form called FERC-603, which helps protect important energy infrastructure details. No changes are planned, but folks who submit this info should know the deadline to comment is November 5, 2026. This keeps the process smooth without adding extra costs or paperwork.
2026-20454, Combined Notice of Filings #1
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got a bunch of new filings from energy companies like Rhode Island State Energy Center and Arizona Public Service. These filings include requests for approvals, status updates, and refund reports that could affect how electricity rates and projects move forward. If you’re involved in energy or power, keep an eye on deadlines for comments, mostly in October and November 2026, as some changes might impact costs or operations soon.
2026-20420, Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got several filings from natural gas pipeline companies about rate changes and refunds. These updates affect customers and companies using pipelines, with new rates starting as soon as October 1, 2026. If you want to comment, deadlines are mostly mid-October, so act fast to have your say on possible price changes.
2026-20421, PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.; Notice of Institution of Section 206 Proceeding and Refund Effective Date
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is checking if PJM Interconnection’s new rules for buying backup power are fair and legal. This affects energy companies and customers in the PJM region, with possible changes to how costs are shared. If refunds are needed, they start from October 6, 2026, and anyone interested has 21 days to speak up.
2026-20418, BIF III Holtwood LLC; Notice of Application for Non-Project Use of Project Land and Waters Accepted for Filing, Soliciting Comments, Motions To Intervene, and Protests
BIF III Holtwood LLC wants to build docks on land and water near the Wallenpaupack Hydroelectric Project in Pennsylvania. The government is reviewing this request and asking the public to share their thoughts by October 30, 2026. This could change how the land and water are used but won’t affect electricity prices or timing.
2026-20453, Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Inc.; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Evergy McNew Power Plant Delivery Project
Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline wants to build new gas facilities to deliver power to the Evergy McNew Power Plant in Kansas. The government is asking the public to share their thoughts on how this might affect the environment before making a final decision. If you care about local air, water, or land, now’s the time to speak up by November 2, 2026!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-13442, Texas Eastern Transmission, LP; Notice of Schedule for the Preparation of an Environmental Assessment for the Appalachia to Market III Project
Texas Eastern Transmission is planning to build a new natural gas pipeline called the Appalachia to Market III Project to deliver more gas from Pennsylvania to local companies. This will help meet growing energy needs and improve system reliability. The government will finish an environmental review by October 10, 2025, with final decisions due by January 8, 2026.
Next: 2025-13444, Webster Hydro Electric Company, Inc., Webster Hydro LLC; Notice of Transfer of Exemption
Webster Hydro Electric Company, Inc. has officially passed the exemption for the North Village Pond hydroelectric project to Webster Hydro LLC. This means Webster Hydro LLC now runs the project on the French River in Massachusetts, with no extra approval or fees needed. The change was confirmed in July 2025 and fixes a previous mix-up about who took over.