Montana Dam Gets FERC's Ho-Hum License Renewal Nod
Published Date: 9/21/2026
Notice
Summary
NorthWestern Energy wants a new license to keep running its Thompson Falls Hydroelectric Project in Montana, which uses federal land. The public can now share their thoughts, ask to join the process, or raise concerns by November 16, 2026. This step helps make sure the project stays safe for the environment and local communities while producing power.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Change to Reservoir Operating Band
NorthWestern proposes to operate the Thompson Falls reservoir within a 2.5-foot band between 2,396.5 feet and 2,394.0 feet, instead of the currently authorized 4-foot band. The company also proposes to continue maintaining a minimum downstream flow of 6,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) or inflow, if less.
Project Boundary and Park Enclosure Proposal
NorthWestern proposes to fully enclose Island Park, Wild Goose Landing Park, South Shore Dispersed Recreation Area, Power Park, Cherry Creek Boat Launch, and the historic Prospect Creek Powerhouse within the project boundary and to exclude certain federal and private lands, which would reduce the current project boundary by 465 acres. This is a formal change to what land is inside the project boundary.
Fish Passage and Water-Quality Measures
The project currently operates an upstream fish ladder from mid-March to mid-October (designed for flows up to 48,000 cfs and an operating flow of 83 cfs) and does not include downstream fish passage. NorthWestern proposes to continue the March–October upstream passage, refine operation of new radial gates to minimize total dissolved gas downstream, and develop and implement a reservoir drawdown management plan.
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
2026-19246, Combined Notice of Filings #1
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got several new filings from energy companies about changes in power rates, project approvals, and contract updates. These changes could affect energy prices and operations starting as soon as September 2026 through early 2027. If you’re involved in energy markets or projects, keep an eye on deadlines for comments by early October to have your say!
2026-19280, Brown Bear II Hydro, Inc.; Notice of Reasonable Period of Time for Water Quality Certification Application
Brown Bear II Hydro, Inc. asked Maine’s environmental agency for permission to ensure their project keeps water clean. Maine has one year, until August 27, 2027, to approve or deny this request. If they don’t decide by then, their say is waived, speeding up the project’s progress without extra delays or costs.
2026-19244, Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got a new rate filing from Elba Express Company about natural gas pipeline charges, set to start October 1, 2026. If you want to speak up or join the discussion, you need to act by September 28, 2026. This could affect pipeline users and might change costs, so don’t miss the deadline to have your say!
2026-19200, Commission Information Collection Activities (Ferc-521); Comment Request; Extension
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is extending its paperwork rules for collecting info about payments linked to headwater improvements—basically, benefits from water projects—without changing any reporting steps. This affects companies involved in hydropower and keeps things steady with no new costs or deadlines, but they want your comments by October 19, 2026. It’s a smooth continuation to keep the system running without extra hassle!
2026-19202, Dauphin Island Gathering Partners; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Dauphin Island Gathering Partners Abandonment Project
Dauphin Island Gathering Partners wants to abandon some energy facilities in Mobile County, Alabama, and nearby waters. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is asking the public to share their thoughts on how this might affect the environment before October 15, 2026. This feedback will help decide if the project moves forward without causing harm, with no direct cost changes announced yet.
2026-19197, Southeast Alaska Power Agency; Notice of Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting Comments, Motions To Intervene, and Protests
The Southeast Alaska Power Agency wants to change the Swan Lake hydroelectric project by adjusting its boundaries and removing a transmission line from its license. This affects people in Ketchikan, Alaska, and could change how power is managed there. You have until October 15, 2026, to share your thoughts or get involved before any decisions are made.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-19240, Notice Announcing Impact Aid Discretionary Construction Grant Program Competition
The Department of Education and Labor are inviting certain school districts to apply for emergency construction grants in 2026. These grants help schools on federal land fix urgent building problems that threaten student safety. Applications are due by November 10, 2026, so eligible districts should act fast to secure funds for critical repairs.
Next: 2026-19243, Sunshine Act Meetings
The SEC is holding a closed meeting on September 24, 2026, to discuss important legal and enforcement matters like lawsuits and investigations. This meeting affects SEC commissioners and select staff, with no public access or direct money impact announced. If anything changes, updates will be posted online, keeping everyone in the loop!