SoCal Edison files “final” application to continue Kernville power operations another 50 years
Southern California Edison submitted its “final license application” to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recently in order to continue operating its Kern River No. 3 (KR3) plant near Kernville through 2076.
Despite the word “final,” there is still time for the public to weigh in on how that plant is operated, though FERC has already decreed the plant will not be considered for decommissioning.
A rough schedule shows next steps in the process as:
- January 2025 – Request by FERC for additional information (if necessary)
- April 2025 – Notice of acceptance
- April 2025 – Notice of “ready for environmental analysis”
FERC has already issued a notice of deficiency to Edison requesting corrections be made in its license application and more specific dates for one outstanding recreation study that will be conducted through 2025.
All of which means the “ready for environmental analysis” phase will likely be pushed back closer to 2026, according to observers.
FERC is expected to determine if Edison needs to modify existing studies or conduct new ones by Feb. 10, 2025, according to Edison’s license application cover letter.
Meanwhile, the public can read the license documents and comment through FERC’s online portal under Docket No. P-2290.
Several groups, including Kern River Boaters, Kern River Fly Fishers and a member of the Kawaiisu tribe, have lodged a host of concerns about the impact of plant operations to local fisheries, the environment and cultural resources. Their focus is on a 16-mile stretch of the North Fork of the Kern River from Fairview Dam to the KR3 plant near Kernville.
David Laughing Horse Robinson filed several detailed comments seeking to have Edison study how its operations have affected tribal customs including salmon fishing, food gathering and tule boat construction and use. He has also asked for Edison to look at how its transmission facilities from KR3 affect tribal sites.
He told SJV Water he’s received no response from FERC or Edison to his concerns.
In general, the boating and fishing groups are seeking to have more water left in that part of the Kern.
Under its current license, Edison is required to maintain minimum flows of 40 cubic feet per second in the river in winter and 100 to 130 cfs May through August. That’s not enough to maintain a healthy river, according to comments filed by Kern River Boaters. Of particular concern is the Kern River rainbow trout, a candidate for listing under the federal Endangered Species program.
When Edison’s current license was issued in 1996, a key requirement was that the utility enhance river habitat to improve conditions for the Kern River rainbow. But existing minimum flows and those proposed by Edison under the new license application will be a detriment to the trout, according to Kern River Boaters comments.
The group has made its own flow proposal for minimum flows of 195 cfs in winter, 335 cfs in spring and 230 cfs in late summer and fall, which is supported by the California Environmental Flows Framework.
The group is also proposing targeted flow increases – bubble flows – that could be timed to coincide with greater solar power production when power from KR3 is less vital to the grid.
“By temporarily redirecting water into the river during such non-critical periods, SCE can unlock substantial recreational potential on the North Fork Kern River without undermining its role in providing clean power when it is truly needed,” wrote Brett Duxbury in a text message. Duxbury is a board member of Kern River Boaters.
KR3 has been a fixture on the river since it was built in 1921 and produces 40 megawatts of power, enough for 15,000 homes.
• Brought to you by the Upper Kern River Fisheries Enhancement Fund
