Hydropower Primer: A Handbook on the Basics of Hydropower

This hydropower primer provides an overview of the FERC’s role in regulating and overseeing non-federal hydropower generation. It provides a history of hydropower and describes the role hydropower plays in the nation’s energy mix. The primer explains the different types of hydropower projects and the resources they affect. Further, it discusses the regulations and statutes applicable to the hydropower program. The primer describes the role of the Office of Energy Projects and its 3 divsions that oversee the licensing processes, compliance and administration, and dam safety. Finally, it provides an overview of how the public and agencies can interact with the Commission and the outreach opportunities provided by Commission staff.