PacifiCorp is the owner, operator and licensee of the Bear River Hydroelectric Project (Bear River Project), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Project No. 20. The Bear River Project is in southeastern Idaho, in Franklin and Caribou counties. The Bear River Project was issued a 30-year license by FERC on December 22, 2003, with an effective date of December 1, 2003. The current license expires on November 30, 2033. The Bear River Project is composed of three hydroelectric developments: Soda, Grace and Oneida.
PacifiCorp has initiated the development of a license amendment application to submit to FERC to integrate a pumped storage facility into the Oneida Development. The Oneida Pumped Storage Facility (Project) is intended to store renewable energy generated from an increasing amount of renewable energy resources interconnected to PacifiCorp’s system and enhance the flexibility and reliability of the electric system. The Project would be about 14 miles north of Preston, Idaho.
There are multiple energy storage projects being developed throughout the West to take advantage of development opportunities at existing dams, reservoirs and hydroelectric facilities. New energy storage resources in PacifiCorp’s 2023 Integrated Resource Plan preferred portfolio include 7,400 megawatts of battery and hydro storage by 2029.
Oneida Pumped Storage Project Initial Consultation Document
Initial Filing Submitted for Pumped Storage Energy Proposal at Oneida Hydroelectric Project
Proposed Oneida Pumped Storage Facility License Amendment Joint Meeting – October 25, 2023
Oneida Pumped Storage Facility – Joint Agency Meeting Site Visit – October 25, 2023