West Virginia Hydro Plant Plans Turbine Swap and Grid Switch
Published Date: 6/18/2026
Notice
Summary
Hawks Nest Hydro, LLC plans to upgrade its hydroelectric project in West Virginia by replacing turbines, building new facilities, and switching power frequency to sell electricity to the regional grid. This will boost power output and improve recreational water flows. The government will review the environmental impact and expects to share its findings by October 30, 2026, with public input welcomed before the final decision.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Recreational Flows Changed for River Users
The Hawks Nest Project would increase minimum flows in the bypassed reach and increase the number of recreational flow releases while shortening the duration of each release. During powerhouse outages, all flows would be spilled into the bypassed reach and the licensee's ability to provide recreational releases would depend on project inflows.
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Key Dates
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