Save-the-Date: Bishop Creek Hydroelectric Project Relicensing Kickoff

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Save-the-Date

Bishop Creek Hydroelectric Project Relicensing Kickoff

Southern California Edison (SCE) is kicking off the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) process to relicense the Bishop Creek Hydroelectric Project (Project). The Project is located in the Eastern Sierras about five miles southwest of Bishop and consists of 13 dams/diversions and five powerhouses with a combined generating capacity of 28.6 megawatts (MW).

On March 14 and 15, SCE is hosting meetings to introduce the relicensing process and to solicit interest in the Technical Working Group process, respectively. Please join us at whichever meeting is more appropriate to your level of interest in the process (details below).

Public Informational
Meeting

March 14, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.*

The public meeting will provide an introduction to the relicensing process as well as information about the Bishop Creek project and its key resources – recreational, environmental, and cultural. Community members will have the opportunity to ask questions and describe what they value about the project and particular areas of interest.

* Both meetings will be held at Cerro Cosso Community College, Eastern Sierra Campus, Bishop in the Community Room (4090 W. Line Street, Bishop 93514).

Stakeholder
Kickoff Meeting

March 15, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.*

The Stakeholder Kickoff meeting is intended for stakeholders with resource area expertise and interest in working at a high level of engagement to advise SCE on technical studies to pursue as part of relicensing. This kickoff meeting will provide information about the Bishop Creek project, relicensing process, and resource areas of focus. SCE will then describe the Technical Working Group (TWG) process, including tasks and anticipated commitments from working group members. Ultimately, SCE will solicit interest in involvement in the TWGs going forward.

The Bishop Creek Project currently operates under a FERC hydroelectric power license that expires in June 2024. SCE must complete the relicensing process and obtain a new license to continue operation and maintenance of the Project. Early outreach to stakeholders helps SCE pinpoint particular resource interests and to start technical studies earlier, which in turn, leads to the development of the most effective protection, mitigation, and enhancement measures.

Relicensing is an open and collaborative process that provides agencies, Native American Tribes, non-governmental organizations, and members of the public an opportunity to participate in the development of new license conditions focused on the protection/enhancement of environmental, cultural, and recreation resources potentially affected by the Project.

To sign up for continued email updates, visit the Bishop Creek Relicensing website. For any questions or concerns about the relicensing process or the upcoming meetings, email bishopcreek@sce.com or call 800-257-1048.