Lake County supervisors approve letter asking FERC to consider alternatives to PG&E Potter Valley decommissioning plan

The Lake County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 to approve a letter urging the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to more fully consider alternatives to Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s application P‑77‑332 concerning the Potter Valley Project. The chair brought the item forward and the board recorded its desire that FERC evaluate options beyond PG&E’s proposed decommissioning plan.

The board said it does not want to see Scott Dam or the Potter Valley Project decommissioned and asked that PG&E provide more complete information so alternatives can be developed and reviewed. “The public is well aware of the board's stance, that we do not want to see, Scott Dam especially, and Powder Valley Project be decommissioned,” a supervisor said. The chair clarified the letter was not endorsing a single alternative but sought openness from PG&E and FERC: “this is not, seeking any 1 alternative. It's just that we want them to be open and responsive to any possibility that's out there.”

No members of the public spoke on the item; the chair opened the public comment period and reported no in‑room or online commenters. A supervisor thanked Matthew Rothstein for assisting with drafting the letter before moving to approve it and a second was recorded. The chair called the vote and the motion carried 5‑0, authorizing the chair to sign the letter to FERC.

The decision places the board’s position on record with FERC and notes local interest by Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District in acquiring Potter Valley project areas; the letter asks FERC and PG&E to consider and provide alternatives for the board to evaluate.