Feds grant Duke Energy a new license

Duke Energy has a new license with which to operate its Keowee-Toxaway hydro-electric project.  According to an announcement made by Jack Lewis, president of “FOLKS”—Friends of Lake Keowee—five years’ work on the part of 17 stakeholders culminated yesterday with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s approval of a new, 30-year license.  Lewis said approval of the new license was communicated yesterday to Alan Stuart, re-licensing manager.  The license, effective September 1, replaces Duke’s original license from 1966 that authorized the construction and operation of Lake Jocassee, Lake Keowee, Jocassee Pumped Storage Station, and Keowee Hydro Station.  And Stuart responded to the stakeholders this way: “Your participation in the stakeholder process allowed us to achieve a balance of competing interests by promoting environmental and recreation resource enhancements while preserving clean, renewable power resources for the region.  This balance will benefit aquatic and terrestrial habitats, migratory fish species, public recreation, land conservation, and water availability during drought conditions. The next step in this process is to carefully review the terms and conditions of the New License and discuss any items with FERC requiring clarification.”`