The Cascade foothills are home to the small but important South Fork Tolt Hydroelectric Project. We are currently in the process of renewing the project’s license with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). This process takes several years. A significant part of the work is to identify gaps in our current… [ Keep reading ]
Every August 24, we celebrate National Hydropower Day. This day helps us remember one of America’s oldest renewable energy sources. Hydropower has powered communities for over 100 years. Today, it plays a bigger role than ever as we work toward a cleaner energy future. What is hydropower? Hydropower generates electricity… [ Keep reading ]
The South Fork Tolt Hydroelectric (is one cool little) Project In the Seattle area, most of the drinking water we use has generated power on its way to our faucets. The very same water serves a third purpose, too. The reservoir behind the South Fork Tolt (SFT) Hydroelectric Project on… [ Keep reading ]
FERC issues Study Plan Determination – marking a new phase in relicensing work On February 13, FERC issued their formal Study Plan Determination. It is a significant milestone that moves us into the next phase of work to relicense the South Fork Tolt Hydroelectric Project. This license allows the City… [ Keep reading ]
Hydropower is the backbone of Seattle’s electricity. It has played a vital role in powering communities across the Pacific Northwest for more than a century.
City Files Revised Study Plan with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission On January 17, 2025, the City of Seattle submitted its Revised Study Plan (RSP) to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). This is a key part of the process to renew the license for the South Fork Tolt Hydroelectric… [ Keep reading ]
Deepening our collective knowledge of the South Fork Tolt On September 20, 2024, the City of Seattle (City) filed a Proposed Study Plan (PSP) with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as required to relicense the South Fork Tolt Hydroelectric Project. Seattle Public Utilities has owned and operated the dam,… [ Keep reading ]
August 24 is National Hydropower Day! For over a century, hydropower has been a vital energy source for the Pacific Northwest and beyond. In fact, Washington is the leading producer of hydropower in the country. At Seattle City Light, we’re proud to manage an impressive hydroelectric system. Today, let’s explore… [ Keep reading ]
On May 31, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued their scoping document for relicensing the South Fork Tolt Hydroelectric Project. FERC uses this document to identify topics to address in their National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis. The document also contains the plan and schedule for the rest of… [ Keep reading ]
The City of Seattle filed documents on April 8 with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to formally begin relicensing the South Fork Tolt Hydroelectric Project. These documents are called the Notice of Intent (NOI) and Pre-Application Document (PAD). Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) are collaborating on… [ Keep reading ]
