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Posts tagged with hydroelectric power Archives - Powerlines

An Update on the Relicensing of the South Fork Tolt Hydroelectric Project 

January 27, 2026

On January 26, 2026, the City of Seattle (City) filed an Initial Study Report (ISR) with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). This is a required step in relicensing the South Fork Tolt Hydroelectric Project. What is the ISR? The ISR is a formal progress report on the 24 studies the City is conducting as part of the South Fork Tolt Hydroelectric Project relicensing process. These studies include some that were required by FERC in their Study Plan Determination and others agreed to between the City, Tribes, and other Licensing Participants (LPs). The ISR… [ Keep reading ]

Filed Under: Powerlines, Providing PowerTagged With: , ,

Building on a Legacy of Learning: Relicensing the South Fork Tolt Hydroelectric Project  

November 12, 2025

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 ]

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Why National Hydropower Day Matters More Than Ever

August 22, 2025

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 ]

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How the South Fork Tolt Project Keeps the River Cool for Salmon

June 24, 2025

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 ]

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Time to learn more about the South Fork Tolt! 

March 19, 2025

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 ]

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Hydropower Is the Foundation of Seattle’s Energy Past, Present, and Future

March 7, 2025

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.

Filed Under: Providing PowerTagged With: , , ,

Relicensing the South Fork Tolt Hydroelectric Project Enters Year Two 

January 24, 2025

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 ]

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City files proposed study plan with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission  

September 24, 2024

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 ]

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Celebrating National Hydropower Day with Seattle City Light

August 23, 2024

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 ]

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FERC Welcomes Public Input on Relicensing the South Fork Tolt Hydroelectric Project 

June 14, 2024

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 ]

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