Hydroelectric Relicensing

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued four of six hydroelectric licenses pending for the Nantahala area. These licenses kickstart processes for a variety of public recreation and aquatic habitat enhancements for the region.

The Franklin Hydroelectric Project license was issued Sept. 7, 2011, and we continue reviewing this license. Bryson Hydroelectric Project license was issued July 22, 2011. FERC issued on May 4, 2011, the two licenses covering hydro developments on the East Fork (Tennessee Creek, Bear Creek and Cedar Cliff hydro stations) and West Fork (Thorpe and Tuckasegee hydro stations) of the Tuckasegee River. We are implementing the terms of these licenses, while awaiting FERC decisions on some outstanding issues. Licenses for hydro stations on the Nantahala River watershed and others are expected soon.

Between 2000 and 2003, team members invested more than 9,000 hours visiting sites, guiding study needs, reviewing reports and collaborating to address environmental concerns and public recreation needs. The Nantahala and Tuckasegee settlement agreements are key to successfully relicensing the hydro stations. The two legally binding agreements, signed in 2003, are the work of stakeholder teams representing 30 organizations, including Duke Energy.

FERC Projects
Project	Number
Bryson Project	2601
Franklin Project	2603
Mission Project	2619
East Fork Project	2698
West Fork Project	2686
Nantahala Project	2692
Queens Project	2694

Visit the links below to learn more about the Nantahala relicensing process, including the array of recreation and environmental enhancements that we expect to initiate under the new licenses.