The\u00a0Sacramento Municipal Utility Districtgot a 50-year renewal to operate its hydroelectric projects on the upper American River.<\/p>\n
The utility operates 11 reservoirs and eight powerhouses in the upper American, which generate 688 megawatts of electricity, representing about 15 percent of SMUD\u2019s annual power.<\/p>\n
Part of the new license from the\u00a0Federal Energy Regulatory Commission\u00a0calls for SMUD to make some changes. The utility will make several recreational upgrades to reservoirs and it will increase the volume of water it releases into streams to benefit natural resources.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is gratifying to receive a new 50-year license,\u201d SMUD CEO\u00a0Arlen Orchard\u00a0said in a news release. \u201cIt allows SMUD to continue to generate large quantities of non-carbon-emitting energy over the next 50 years from our most valuable, lowest-cost power supply.\u201d<\/p>\n
The license also allows SMUD to move ahead with the design and potential construction of the 400 megawatt Iowa Hillpumped-storage development, which would pump water uphill during times of light electric use, and generate power during summer peak periods.<\/p>\n
The utility is\u00a0still doing feasibility work\u00a0on the $800 million Iowa Hill project, which could take three years.<\/p>\n
More at BizJournals.com<\/a> >>><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The\u00a0Sacramento Municipal Utility Districtgot a 50-year renewal to operate its hydroelectric projects on the upper American River. The utility operates 11 reservoirs and eight powerhouses in the upper American, which generate 688 megawatts of electricity, representing about 15 percent of SMUD\u2019s annual power. Part of the new license from the\u00a0Federal Energy Regulatory Commission\u00a0calls for SMUD … Continue reading Feds Give SMUD 50-Year License For Hydroelectric Projects On American River<\/span>