The Commission regulates over 1,600 non-federal hydroelectric projects in the U.S. FERC staff in the Division of Hydropower Administration and Compliance (DHAC) ensure that regulated entities remain in compliance with the Federal Power Act, FERC regulations, and the terms and conditions of their respective licenses or exemptions, in order to protect, mitigate, and enhance beneficial public uses and the environment around hydropower projects. DHAC staff are responsible for tracking and administrating license and exemption requirements, inspecting site conditions, analyzing and processing amendment applications, investigating compliance issues, and assessing penalties if necessary.
- How To Submit and/or Update Contact Information
- How to Transfer a License or Exemption
- How to Surrender a License or Exemption
- Extensions of Time to Comply with License/Exemption Requirements
- Compliance Handbook
- Handbook for Conduit Exemptions
- How to Apply for a Temporary Variance
- How To Submit Contact Information
- Managing Hydropower Project Exhibits - Drawings Guide (updated August 2014) | Summary of Updates
Other administrative activities include:
- Standard L, E, & P Form Articles - Standard License Articles
- Jurisdiction Determination - Determine whether an existing dam should be regulated by FERC
- Headwater Benefits - Determine whether downstream projects benefit from Federal projects and if they should pay for benefits
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Renewable Energy Tax Credit Guidance March 2021 (updated 4/6/2021)
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Projects that received an Energy Production Tax Credit Certification (updated 06/29/2016)
Fisheries:
- Impacts of Hydroelectric Plant Tailraces on Fish Passage
- Preliminary Assessment of Fish Entrainment at Hydropower Projects--volume 1
- Preliminary Assessment of Fish Entrainment at Hydropower Projects--volume 2
Shoreline Management and Recreation:
- Shoreline Development Applications updated 03/2012
- Shoreline Management Planning updated 07/16/2012 | FAQs
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Order No. 852 (Form 80 Removed) | FAQs updated 4/6/2021
- Recreation Development at Licensed Hydropower Projects
Outreach Workshops:
DHAC has held outreach workshops in the past on topics such as noxious weeds, fish passage, drought management, recreation, and shoreline management. As additional understanding of certain topics is needed to improve compliance with license conditions, more workshops may be held in the future.