Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project

(Posted July 29, 2025) The Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project (PVP), currently owned and operated by PG&E, is planned for decommissioning, assuming approval by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). On July 25, PG&E released their final application for decommissioning and surrender of their operating license for consideration by FERC. The original construction of the PVP dates back to early the 1900s and has involved diverting flows in the upper Eel River over to the Russian River for hydroelectric power generation since 1922. Although these diversions have significantly decreased in total volume since 2007, they are an important part of the overall water supply balance in the Russian River. The North Marin Water District relies on Russian River water purchased from Sonoma Water for approximately 80 percent of its water supply needs.

To learn more about the PVP as well as what is being planned by regional water providers in the Russian River watershed, visit the Eel-Russian Project Authority’s website HERE or fact sheets HERE.

For more information on PG&E’s process to decommission and surrender the PVP, click HERE.