Hydro Licensing from the Owner's Perspective

Hydroelectric power generation is our nation's chief source of renewable energy, representing 98% of the nation's renewable energy production. There are approximately 2500 non-federal hydroelectric projects subject to licenses issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Between the year 2000 and 2010, approximately 220 of these projects, representing approximately 62% of the licensed capacity, will be re-licensed by the FERC. At relicensing, owners of these projects must deal with a multitude of stakeholders and resource agencies in an effort to balance the many competing demands placed on these hydro resources. These re-licensings also come at a time of unprecedented change within the electric utility industry, as electric companies search for ways to remain competitive in a deregulated market. This presentation will look at the dynamics of the hydro licensing process and the relicensing alternatives available to owners and others involved in this complex process.