Memorandum
Date: August 25, 2026
To: The Honorable Brad Rasmussen, Chair, Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Eddie Crandell, District 3 Supervisor
Bruno Sabatier, District 2 Supervisor
Subject: Consideration of a Letter Imploring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to Robustly Consider Alternatives to Pacific Gas and Electric Company Application (P-77-332 Potter Valley Project)
Executive Summary:
As you will be aware, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District has expressed interest in acquiring and operating the Potter Valley Project facilities. Reportedly, there is interest from other groups, as well. Our Board has long held an interest that alternatives to Decommissioning Scott Dam and other Potter Valley Project facilities be explored, as documented in previous public statements, including Comments and Attachments submitted to the California State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Water Rights on November 3, 2025:
https://www.lakecountyca.gov/1859/Lake-Pillsbury#docaccess-0129048a7d8af3d00139fb126cec14d7e26e5b1caab743a99f3db59da377d8cb
Robust consideration of project alternatives has been frustrated by reluctance of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) to make key project information available to all interested parties. It is in Lake County’s, FERC’s, and the broader public interest that PG&E be as open and transparent as possible with all information regarding the Potter Valley Project, so alternative plans can be effectively crafted and shared with the public. The County of Lake and other interested parties should have the chance to vet such alternatives.
The attached letter implores FERC to robustly consider alternatives, and support agencies’ interest in obtaining information necessary to craft quality alternative plans.
We recommend that our Board approve the Letter and authorize the Chair to sign.
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Recommended Action: Approve the Letter Imploring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to Robustly Consider Alternatives to Pacific Gas and Electric Company Application (P-77-332 Potter Valley Project), and Authorize the Chair to Sign.