What's Happening?
Glencoe Mill LLC has filed an application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to surrender its exemption for the Glencoe Mill Hydroelectric Project located on the Haw River in Alamance County, North Carolina. The project, which has been disconnected from the power grid and is no longer operational, is owned by Preservation North Carolina. The application was filed on July 22, 2025, and is available for public inspection. FERC is soliciting comments, motions to intervene, and protests from interested parties, with a deadline set for September 4, 2025. The Commission encourages electronic filing through its eFiling system.
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Why It's Important?
The surrender of the exemption for the Glencoe Mill Hydroelectric Project marks a significant shift in the management of local energy resources. This decision could impact local stakeholders, including environmental agencies and community groups, who may have interests in the ecological and economic implications of the project's cessation. The move also reflects broader trends in the energy sector, where older and less efficient projects are being phased out in favor of more sustainable alternatives. The involvement of Preservation North Carolina suggests a focus on historical preservation and environmental stewardship.
What's Next?
Interested parties have until September 4, 2025, to submit comments, motions to intervene, and protests regarding the application. FERC will consider these submissions in its decision-making process. The outcome could influence future energy projects in the region and set precedents for how similar cases are handled. Agencies with jurisdiction over environmental issues may choose to cooperate in the preparation of any necessary environmental documents, although they cannot intervene in the proceedings.
