FERC Extends Deadline for Edison’s Kernville Power Plant Relicensing Application

KERNVILLE, California — Southern California Edison has until June 30, 2025, to submit critical design documents for its Kernville power plant relicensing application, following an extension granted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The extension was prompted by Edison’s request after the commission found its initial filing lacking essential information including design drawings of the plant and its intake facilities.

The initial deadline for submitting these drawings was March 18, but on Monday, FERC opted to move this date back by three months. The delay has sparked concern among local boating advocates, particularly the Kern River Boaters, who argue that extended timelines diminish public engagement opportunities in the relicensing review process.

Kern River Boaters expressed their frustration in a motion to intervene, emphasizing that Edison had “years of notice” regarding the requirements for the relicensing process. They contend that the delay limits the public’s ability to study the plans and contribute informed comments.

In response to the criticism, Edison stated that additional time is necessary to review and update existing design documents from 1990. “We are committed to ensuring that our application is comprehensive and meets all regulatory requirements,” said a spokeswoman for Edison.

The next significant phase in the relicensing process involves FERC conducting an extensive environmental analysis of the plant, which was initially set to commence in April but is now likely postponed until July due to the extension.

The current license for the Kernville power plant, issued in 1996, will expire in November 2026. Although delays could impact the review process, operations at the plant are expected to continue uninterrupted. A FERC spokeswoman noted that the commission typically allows facilities to operate under existing licenses while considering new applications.

The Kernville power plant, operational since 1921, generates approximately 40 megawatts of power—enough to supply electricity to about 15,000 homes. In addition to evaluating the relicensing application, the Kern River Boaters and other river advocates are campaigning for modifications to the new license requirements. Their goal is to limit the amount of water drawn from the nearby Fairview Dam, situated 16 miles upstream, arguing that the current license inadequately preserves water levels in the river, harming both aquatic life and recreational opportunities.

Once issued, the new license will govern the operations of the Kernville power plant for the next 40 years. Members of the public can still comment on any aspect of the relicensing process at any point by following the guidelines provided at FERC’s official website and referencing “Docket Number P-2290.” To access all documents related to the relicensing application, interested individuals can visit FERC’s eLibrary and search using the docket number.