Hydropower Fees Hike: Pay Up for Uncle Sam’s Land Next Year
Published Date: 4/21/2026
Rule
Summary
Hydropower companies that use government land will see updated rental fees for the next year, from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. These fees are set by county and must be paid in advance. The new fee schedule kicks in on April 21, 2026, keeping things fair and up-to-date for everyone using public lands.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Annual per‑acre fee schedule updated
If you are a hydropower licensee that uses government land, the Commission has published an updated per‑acre rental fee schedule for Fiscal Year 2026. The rule is effective April 21, 2026, and the fee schedule applies for October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026.
Fees vary by county; sample rates
The appendix lists per‑acre rental fees by county that vary widely. Examples in the published schedule include Denver County at $981.97/acre/yr, Orleans Parish at $509.83/acre/yr, Napa County at $193.44/acre/yr, and Miami‑Dade County at $455.33/acre/yr for Fiscal Year 2026.
Annual charges must be prepaid
The Commission reiterates that annual charges for the use of government lands are payable in advance under the regulation referenced in the rule. This prepayment requirement applies to charges assessed under the Fiscal Year 2026 fee schedule.
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