Borel Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 382)

The Borel Hydroelectric Project (Borel Project) is owned and operated by Southern California Edison (SCE). The project is located on the Kern River in Kern County, California and consists of five primary facilities. The facilities were previously used to create electricity but are currently inactive.

SCE filed an Application to Surrender the Borel Hydroelectric Project License (LSA) in 2023. SCE filed the LSA, which included a detailed commissioning plan, with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the agency responsible for hydroelectric plant licenses. Decommissioning plans include the full removal of facilities, abandoning facilities in place, and abandoning facilities with modifications. The FERC approval process could take 5 or more years.

Decommissioning activities will only proceed once the approval is received. SCE will continue to maintain the project for public safety and do so until the project is fully decommissioned. SCE is currently planning for a safe facility closure and is working with local, state, and federal agencies to secure permits required for decommissioning the Borel Project.

Check the Public Engagement page and the Timeline for updates on the status of the Project and Timeline.