PG&E Requests Flow Variance for California Hydro Creek
Published Date: 12/23/2025
Notice
Summary
Pacific Gas & Electric wants to temporarily change how much water flows into Helms Creek from their hydroelectric project in Fresno County, California. This could affect local water use and the environment, so the public and agencies have until January 16, 2026, to share their thoughts or get involved. No big money changes are mentioned, but it’s a key chance to speak up about water and power in the area!
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary cut to Helms Creek flows
Pacific Gas & Electric has requested a temporary variance to reduce minimum releases from Courtright Dam from 4 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 2.5 cfs from September 1 through November 30, 2026, measured as a 24-hour average at gage KI-17. PG&E also plans to draw Courtright Reservoir down to elevation 8,000 feet with an impoundment of 2,283 acre-feet from September 1 through December 31, 2026, to complete repairs on the dam, its low-level outlet bypass valve, and the KI-17 weir. The notice says this change could affect local water use and the environment in Fresno County, California.
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