In order to own and operate its hydro projects, each Idaho Power hydroelectric facility must be licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
Through its relicensing program, Idaho Power is currently investing millions of dollars to preserve its valuable hydroelectric assets. Most significant is the relicensing of the Hells Canyon Complex, which provides approximately two-thirds of Idaho Power's hydroelectric generating capacity and 40 percent of its total generating capacity.
The current license for the Hells Canyon Complex expired at the end of July 2005. Idaho Power now operates the project under an annual license issued by the FERC until a new multi-year license is issued. Idaho Power estimates that costs associated with relicensing the Hells Canyon Project are expected to be hundreds of millions of dollars over the next 30 years for environmental and recreation enhancements.
