Maine Hydro Project Files for License Renewal, Invites Public Gripes
Published Date: 9/19/2025
Notice
Summary
KEI (Maine) Power Management wants to renew its license to keep running the Barker Mill Upper Hydroelectric Project on the Little Androscoggin River in Auburn, Maine. This means local communities and energy users should pay attention because the project affects how power is made and managed in the area. You’ve got until November 16, 2025, to speak up if you want to join the conversation or raise concerns.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Settlement Requires Fish Passage Coordination
The Settlement between KEI Power and federal and state agencies requires coordinating the time frame for providing upstream and downstream fish passage at the Upper Barker Project for species including American eel, river herring, American shad, sea lamprey, and Atlantic salmon.
License Terms Aligned and Extended
The Settlement calls for aligning license terms by extending the Lower Barker Project license term from 40 years to 50 years and requesting a license term of 47 years for the Upper Barker Project.
Deadline to Intervene or Protest
If you want to intervene or file a protest about the Barker Mill Upper Hydroelectric Project, you must file a motion to intervene or a protest by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on November 16, 2025.
Minimum and Seasonal Flows Will Be Aligned
The Settlement provides for aligning the minimum and seasonal flows at the Upper Barker and the Lower Barker Projects, changing how water releases are coordinated between the two projects.
New Stewardship Fund to Benefit Habitat
The Settlement establishes an off-license agreement to fund an Androscoggin Basin Stewardship Fund, administered by the Maine Department of Marine Resources, to benefit spawning and rearing habitat in the basin.
Agencies Will Support LIHI Certification Request
The Settlement assures, through an off-license agreement, the resource agencies' support for KEI Power's request for Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI) certification for the Upper Barker Project.
FERC Office Offers Public Participation Help
FERC's Office of Public Participation (OPP) can help members of the public — including landowners, community organizations, and Tribal members — access public information and navigate filings, and can assist with making filings such as interventions and comments.
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: 2025-18197, Southeastern Power Administration; Notice of Filing
The Southeastern Power Administration is proposing new electricity rates for the Kerr-Philpott area starting October 1, 2025. This change affects customers who buy power from this service and could impact their bills. If you want to speak up or get involved, you have until October 15, 2025, to file your comments or protests.
Next: 2025-18199, McCallum Enterprises I Limited Partnership; Notice of Technical Conference
On September 30, 2025, a fun and important online meeting will happen to talk about fish safety at the Derby Dam Hydroelectric Project run by McCallum Enterprises. Local and federal groups, tribes, and anyone interested can join to hear updates and share ideas. If you want in, sign up by September 25—no money changes hands, but your voice matters!