Overview
Title
Virginia Electric and Power Company d/b/a Dominion Energy Virginia, Allegheny Generating Company, and Bath County Energy, LLC; Notice of Application Tendered for Filing With the Commission and Establishing Procedural Schedule for Licensing and Deadline for Submission of Final Amendments
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is looking at a request from some energy companies wanting to make their big energy-making machines better in Virginia, but they're not sure how much it will cost or exactly how it might affect the community or the environment, and they're asking people to share their thoughts, but it's a bit tricky to understand all the details.
Summary AI
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has received a new major license application from Virginia Electric and Power Company, doing business as Dominion Energy Virginia, Allegheny Generating Company, and Bath County Energy, LLC, for the Bath County Pumped Storage Project in Virginia. The project entails substantial infrastructure, including reservoirs, dams, a powerhouse, and transmission lines, and generates and consumes a significant amount of energy annually. Dominion proposes to upgrade the turbine-generator units without any other major changes to the project's structure or operations. FERC provides opportunities for public inspection and participation throughout the licensing process, with a procedural schedule provided for necessary actions.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has received a licensing application related to the Bath County Pumped Storage Project in Virginia. This initiative, filed by Dominion Energy Virginia and its partners, seeks to renew the major license for operating this expansive hydroelectric project. Among notable features, the project involves significant infrastructure, including large reservoirs, dams, and a powerhouse, and accounts for considerable energy generation and consumption annually. Currently, Dominion proposes upgrades to turbine-generator units without making major structural or operational changes.
Summary
The project in question is a pumped storage hydroelectric plant, meaning it uses electricity to pump water to an upper reservoir for storage, which can be released to a lower reservoir to generate electricity when needed. This project plays a critical role in energy management by helping balance supply and demand and providing stability to the electricity grid.
FERC's notice highlights Dominion's application for a new major license, detailing the project's facets, such as its location across multiple counties in Virginia and its energy capacity. The document lays out a procedural schedule, starting with potential deficiency letters in January 2025, that guides public engagement and regulatory processing for the application.
Issues and Concerns
Several issues arise from the notice's contents. Firstly, there is no direct mention of the financial impacts of the proposed turbine-generator upgrades. The costs associated with such improvements could be significant, and understanding these financial implications could be crucial for stakeholders and the public.
Moreover, while the notice briefly references potential interactions with environmental justice communities and tribal members, it lacks comprehensive detail on these engagements. Such details could be indispensable for ensuring transparency and inclusivity in the commission's processes, particularly for groups that might be disproportionately affected by project decisions.
Impact on the Public
For the broader public, this project may impact daily life through its contribution to a stable and reliable power supply. Energy projects of this scale are vital for managing electricity loads, particularly during peak demand times, and can help keep electricity services dependable and prices stable.
However, the document's technical language and the lack of straightforward guidance on public participation may pose barriers to effective engagement. The procedural terms and operational descriptions are highly technical, which could potentially deter public interest or involvement due to their complexity.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For specific stakeholders like environmental justice communities, tribal members, and residents near the project, the implications of the project could be more direct. These groups may experience significant localized impacts, whether they relate to environmental effects, cultural sites, or economic opportunities. Without detailed information on how these stakeholders are involved, there's a risk that their concerns might not be adequately addressed.
In conclusion, while the notice outlines an important licensing process for a major energy project, the complexity of the text and absence of detailed stakeholder information may limit its effectiveness as a tool for public engagement and transparency. Enhanced clarity and depth in such notices could enable more informed public and stakeholder involvement.
Issues
• The document does not specify the financial implications of the proposed upgrades to the turbine-generator units, including associated appurtenant facilities, which may involve significant costs.
• The notice mentions possible interaction with environmental justice communities and tribal members but lacks detailed information on how these stakeholders are involved or impacted, which could be critical for public transparency.
• The language describing the procedural schedule and terms such as 'Deficiency Letter' and 'Notice of Ready for Environmental Analysis' could be difficult for the general public to understand without additional context or definition.
• The document provides contact information for FERC but may benefit from clearer guidance or step-by-step instructions on how the public can engage in the process or provide input effectively.
• The description of facility specifications and operational conditions is technical and may be challenging for non-experts to comprehend, potentially limiting public engagement or informed feedback.