The Don Pedro Project is a federally licensed water storage and hydroelectric generating facility located on the Tuolumne River in the Sierra Nevada foothills approximately 130 miles east of San Francisco. As a multi-purpose project, Don Pedro provides water storage for irrigation and domestic use as well as energy from a renewable resource. Don Pedro operations also benefit fish, wildlife, and recreation resources, as well as providing flood control benefits with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Owned 31.54% by the Modesto Irrigation District and 68.46% by the Turlock Irrigation District, the project was placed into service in 1971. It consists of a 2,030,000 acre-foot (AF) reservoir and a 203 megawatt (MW) powerhouse. The project was issued a 50-year license by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) which expired April 30, 2016. Since then, the project has been operating under annual licenses (extending the terms of the expired license) until a new license is issued. The Districts are in the process of relicensing Don Pedro using FERC’s Integrated Licensing Process (ILP). Relicensing is an intricate and lengthy undertaking which stretches over multiple years and has been open to public participation.
Documents filed or issued are available for viewing on FERC’s E-Library, at www.FERC.gov, docket P-2299. FERC prefers electronic filing of documents. Those without internet access may submit hard copies of letters and documents via USPS to:
Debbie-Anne Reese, Secretary
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First Street NE
Washington DC 20426
Modesto Irrigation District
Melissa Williams
P.O. Box 4060
Modesto, CA 95352
(209) 526-7390
melissa.williams@mid.org
Turlock Irrigation District
Josh Weimer
P.O. Box 949
Turlock, CA 95381
(209) 883-8361
jmweimer@tid.org