Summit Hydropower, Inc.

What is Hydropower?
Summit Hydropower - Avon Connecticut

Hydropower harnesses the energy of falling water to generate electricity. In simple terms, the inertial force of water flowing through a pipe rotates a propeller which is connected to a generator to make electricity.

Hydropower creates no pollution, reducing global warming and other air quality problems
Hydropower is renewable, utilizing the perpetual flow of water in our rivers
Hydropower is the oldest form of electrical power and the world's #1 use of renewable energy

The capital cost of hydropower projects is higher than fossil burning projects but operating costs are low and there is no dependence on a fuel supply that is depleting and becoming more expensive. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has sole jurisdiction over hydro in the US. All hydro projects in the U.S. must obtain a FERC license or license exemption unless it has been in continuous operation since 1935. Obtaining a license is extremely complicated. Many State and Federal agencies must be consulted, studies must be performed, and a detailed license application must be submitted for approval. Hydro is considered to be one of the most highly regulated industries in our nation. All entities including state, federal and local agencies, organizations, municipalities and citizens have a say in the crafting of the FERC license. The consultation process is exhaustive.

Developing a hydro site can be very difficult. For example, after SHI submitted license applications to FERC for the Collinsville Upper and Lower Hydroelectric Projects, there was an 11 year period of studies, consultations and modifications that ensued before FERC finally granted the licenses. SHI then worked towards project final design, power purchase arrangements and control of the DEP-owned dams.

Although DEP was affirmative on the project, they understandably required SHI to pass a bill in CT Legislature that would allow DEP to lease the dams to a private entity. It took several years of SHI's efforts in Hartford, but legislation was finally passed. Then, FERC terminated the licenses because SHI did not meet FERC's tight start construction deadline. At this point in time, SHI had about $300,000 invested in the project planning and licensing. To get the licenses back, SHI was working with Congressman Chris Murphy's office to introduce a bill in Washington to reinstate the licenses. Then an unsettling thing happened. The First Selectman of Canton, CT convinced Congressman Murphy to introduce a bill in Washington to reinstate the licenses and transfer them to the Town of Canton, effectively shoving SHI to the side.

If this bill passes, Canton will obtain, against the will of SHI, the licenses that SHI worked so hard to get. SHI is opposed to this current bill and hopes that the Congressman and First Selectman come to reason and change their approach.

Simplified diagram of a large hydroelectric project showing path of water through turbine.

Benefits of Hydropower>>

For further info on hydro, visit www.hydro.org.