PG&E Moves to Retire Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project
Published Date: 5/29/2026
Notice
Summary
Pacific Gas and Electric Company wants to shut down and clean up the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project in California. The government is asking the public to share their thoughts on the environmental effects and possible alternatives before making a final decision. If you care about local rivers, lands, or energy, now’s the time to speak up—comments are due by July 24, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Removal of Scott and Cape Horn Dams
If you live in Lake or Mendocino counties, California, PG&E has proposed to decommission and remove Scott Dam and associated facilities and to decommission and remove Cape Horn Dam (except those needed for the New Eel-Russian Facility). The proposal also includes restoring reservoir inundation zones and adjacent riparian, wetlands, and upland areas.
New Eel‑Russian Facility (NERF) Plan
PG&E proposes that the New Eel‑Russian Facility (NERF) would be constructed by the Eel‑Russian Project Authority while the existing license remains in effect, would be used to divert water from the Eel River to the Russian River watershed, and would be removed from the existing license after construction and specified decommissioning steps are complete. The proposal requests that lands and works necessary for the NERF be removed from the project boundary after PG&E files a decommissioning report and related conditions are met.
Removal of Recreation Facilities and Land Restoration
PG&E proposes to remove certain project recreational facilities and to restore the associated lands as part of the surrender and decommissioning of the Potter Valley Project. The proposal specifically lists removal of recreational facilities and restoration of lands affected by decommissioning.
NEPA Study of Socioeconomic and Tribal Impacts
FERC staff will prepare a NEPA document that will analyze environmental topics including socioeconomics, cultural and historic resources, and Tribal resources as part of the proposed surrender and decommissioning review. The NEPA process will identify potential adverse and beneficial impacts and consider reasonable alternatives.
Public Scoping Meetings and Comment Deadline
The Commission will hold public scoping meetings in Ukiah, California on June 23, 2026 (6:30–8:30 p.m. PT) and June 24, 2026 (10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. PT). Written or oral scoping comments must be received by the Commission in Washington, DC by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, July 24, 2026, and may be filed electronically referencing docket number P-77-332.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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