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PG&E Prepares Draft Surrender Application for Battle Creek Hydro Project

Date: March 10, 2026 Author: Paul Moreno
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PG&E is preparing an initial draft surrender application and decommissioning plan for its Battle Creek Hydroelectric Project. The initial draft is expected to be available for public review in October 2026.

 

PG&E owns and operates the Battle Creek Hydroelectric Project. The project is located in Shasta and Tehama counties. It is no longer economic for PG&E's customers. In 2020, PG&E informed the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) it did not intend to seek a new license for it.  The commission invited interested parties to apply to take over operation of the project, but none came forward. In 2022, FERC directed PG&E to prepare a schedule for the development of a surrender application and decommissioning plan. 

 

The Battle Creek Hydroelectric Project consists of:

  • two reservoirs (North Battle Creek Reservoir, Lake McCumber)
  • three forebays (Lake Nora, Lake Grace, Coleman Forebay) 
  • 20 canals and pipelines
  • 15 diversion dams
  • two fish screens and ladders, and 
  • five powerhouses (Volta 1, Volta 2, South, Inskip, Coleman)

 

To be responsible fiduciary stewards, PG&E is moving forward with the surrender process. PG&E is working hard to preserve and balance environmental responsibilities and economic impacts.  PG&E plans to continue to operate the project under current license conditions until it is decommissioned.

 

PG&E recognizes there is significant interest in the future of this project. PG&E is working to ensure clarity and consistency of information provided about the project.

 

After the initial draft plan is released, there will be a public comment period. PG&E will then prepare a final draft by June 2027. This will also be available for public comment.

 

After the final draft comment period, PG&E expects to submit a final application to FERC in spring 2028. FERC’s review process also includes opportunities for public comment to inform the development of the license surrender and decommissioning order. There is no timeline for FERC to issue that order.