Duke Energy Requests Short-Term Water Flow Adjustment
Published Date: 8/7/2025
Notice
Summary
Duke Energy Carolinas wants a temporary change to how much water flows from their Lookout Shoals hydroelectric project in North Carolina. This could affect local water levels and energy production for a short time. The public has until September 3, 2025, to share their thoughts or get involved before any decision is made.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Temporary change to dam flow rules
Duke Energy requests a temporary variance from the 80 cubic feet per second (cfs) minimum continuous flow requirement at the Lookout Shoals Development from mid-September, 2025 through February 28, 2026. To do maintenance on the junior unit headgate and replace the low pressure water system (which requires taking the junior units out of service), the licensee proposes either pulsing a larger unit one hour on and two hours off (minimum) or, if water is available, running a larger unit continuously at approximately 1,050 cfs.
Resource agencies reviewed and agreed
The licensee consulted with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality—Division of Water Resources, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about the variance and the proposed pulsed flow mitigation. Those resource agencies and the licensee agreed to the pulse flow strategy and confirmed that no negative effects to the environment are expected.
Public comment deadline and help
Anyone may file comments, motions to intervene, or protests on this application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on or before September 3, 2025. The Commission's Office of Public Participation can help members of the public (including landowners, community organizations, and Tribal members) with filings; OPP contact is (202) 502-6595 or [email protected].
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