PG&E Applies for License Surrender and Dam Removal at Potter Valley Project to Benefit Eel River Ecosystem

PG&E has submitted an application to surrender its license for the Potter Valley Project and remove two defunct dams in the Eel River headwaters. The project has not generated electricity for over four years and has contributed less than 1% to PG&E's hydropower portfolio over the last 20 years.

It costs ratepayers approximately one million dollars annually without benefits and harms the Eel watershed. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is currently accepting public comments on PG&E's dam removal plan, with a deadline extended to December 19 at 2 p.m.

The plan aims to facilitate a dam-free water diversion to benefit both the Eel River ecosystem and water users in the Russian River. Removing the dams is crucial for the recovery of native fish species and will help eliminate habitats for invasive species.