Nestled in the southern Sierra Nevada, Southern California Edison’s Kern River No. 3 Hydroelectric Project generates electricity year-round from the natural flows of the North Fork Kern River.

Since becoming operational in 1921, the project has remained a steady source of reliable, clean and affordable power.

“Hydroelectric power is a flexible, clean resource that directly contributes to a decarbonized and stable grid,” said Christy Fanous, SCE’s managing director of Generation. “By providing clean power during critical periods, our KR3 Project and all our hydroelectric projects prevent the need for carbon-emitting resources.”

As the current licensing agreement nears its end, SCE is entering the next phase to relicense the project, ensuring it continues to generate clean power.

The company recently submitted what is called a “Final Licensing Application” to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) — the agency that regulates hydroelectric generation, among other things. If approved, this application will let SCE continue using the river to generate stable and predictable power for customers for the next 50 years.

With customer demand projected to grow 35% faster over the next decade than estimated just two years ago, continuing to operate the KR3 Project will not only provide customers with clean, firm and reliable energy, but also help the state reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

“Smaller-scale projects like this one are often underappreciated in the context of the overall electric grid,” said Fanous. “Year-round, they demonstrate their outsized role in ensuring California has the reliable energy it needs, particularly during times of peak demand.”

Just as the KR3 Project impacts the statewide power grid, it also plays a significant role in balancing environmental and recreational considerations. The current operating license includes conditions to benefit the community, like preserving fishing and boating opportunities, and SCE aims to keep many of those same conditions in its new FERC license.

The company works closely with regulatory agencies, stakeholders and community members during the relicensing process to identify local considerations that will benefit the natural and cultural resources as well as the public.

FERC is currently reviewing SCE’s proposed plans to determine the environmental measures and operational conditions before approving a new license.

“We encourage community members to engage in the licensing proceeding,” said Fanous. “The public will have the opportunity to review the application and submit their comments directly to FERC at multiple points during the remainder of the process.”

To learn more about the Kern River No. 3 Hydroelectric Project, visit sce.com/kr3.