MSS 1 T2 4421 Orange5 Application 6 17 13

User Manual: MSS 1-T2

Open the PDF directly: View PDF .
Page Count: 77

Download
Open PDF In Browser	View PDF

Mini-Watt Hydroelectric LLC
c/o O’Connell Energy Group
57 Suffolk Street, Suite 200
Holyoke, Massachusetts 01040
(413) 534-4660 (main number)
(413) 537-9029 (cell); (413) 536-4911 (fax)
sfisk@oconnells.com
June 4, 2013
Via E-Mail & U.S. Mail
Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission
Attn: Renewable Energy Resources Eligibility
89 Jefferson Boulevard
Warwick, Rhode Island 02888
Re:

Application for Certification of 69% of Mini-Watt Hydroelectric, LLC’s Orange 2
hydro-electric generator (the “Project” or the “Facility”) as a Rhode Island New
Renewable Resource and 31% of the same Facility as a Rhode Island Existing
Renewable Resource (the “Applications”)

Dear Sir:
Attached please find the application of Mini-Watt Hydroelectric LLC (“Mini-Watt”) for
certification by the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (the “Commission”) of 69% of its
Orange 2 hydro-electric generator (the “Project” or the “Facility”) as a Rhode Island New
Renewable Resource and of 31% of the same Facility as a Rhode Island Existing Renewable
Resource.
I.

The name, address and contacts of the Applicant –
Primary Contact:

Secondary Contact:

William P. Short III
Consultant
P.O. Box 237173
New York, New York 10023-7173
(917) 206-0001 (office)
(917) 206-0001 (fax)
(201) 970-3707 (cell)
w.shortiii@verizon.net

Stephen J. Fisk
General Manager
c/o O’Connell Energy Group
57 Suffolk Street, Suite 200
Holyoke, Massachusetts 01040
(413) 534-4660 (main number)
(413) 536-4911 (fax)
(413) 537-9029 (cell)
sfisk@oconnells.com

II.

Location of the Generation Facility –
New Home Dam, Millers River, Franklin County:
North Powerhouse – 18 Chase Court REAR, Orange, Massachusetts
South Powerhouse – 16 West River Street REAR, Orange, Massachusetts
Latitude/Longitude – 420 35’ 21.21”N / 720 18’ 38.08”W

III.

Description of the Generation Facility –

Mini-Watt is a special purpose entity formed for the sole purpose to own the Facility, a
455 KW hydro-electric generator located in Orange, Massachusetts. The Facility’s energy,
capacity and ancillary services are presently sold to Templeton Municipal Light and Water Plant
(“Templeton”). The Facility is interconnected to National GRID d/b/a Massachusetts Electric
Company (“Massachusetts Electric”) distribution lines located along Chase Court and West
River Street. The dam was reconstructed in 1940 after the catastrophic flood of 1938 severely
damaged the prior dam.
The North Powerhouse generating unit (“T1,” a 1940 Leffel Z turbine with 175 KW
generator) was installed at the time of the dam reconstruction. The South Powerhouse contains 2
generating units (“T2”, a 1944 Leffel A turbine with 120 KW generator and “T3,” a HSI doubleregulated Kaplan turbine with 160 KW generator). T2 was relocated from a mill building along
the Chicopee River located in Wilbraham, Massachusetts to its current location in the South
Powerhouse in 1995. T3 was purchased new and installed in 2010, replacing a 1944 turbinegenerator that had the same capacity as T2 (120 KW). T3 was placed in-service on or before
November 30, 2010.
The Facility does not involve any new impoundment or diversion of water with an
average salinity of twenty (20) parts per thousand or less.
IV. New and Existing Renewable Energy Resource –
A New Renewable Energy Resource means at the site of an Existing Renewable Energy
Resource, the entire output of a Generation Unit which uses Eligible Renewable Energy
Resources and first entered commercial operation after December 31, 1997, provided that the
Existing Renewable Energy Resource has been retired and replaced with such new Generation
Unit.
An Existing Renewable Energy Resources means a generation unit using an Eligible
Renewable Energy Resource and first entering commercial operation before December 31, 1997.
Mini-Watt retired the old T3 turbine-generator set in 2010 by replacing completely the
previous unit (a propeller turbine), including structural modifications, to accommodate a new
double-regulated Kaplan turbine-generator set. This new turbine-generator set has greater

capacity and higher efficiency than the previous turbine. All major components of T3 were
replaced except for the Orange 2 station transformer. Although major equipment changes were
made to T2, there were no equivalent changes made to its turbine or the structures upon which
the turbine sits. Accordingly, Mini-Watt requests only New treatment for T3 and only Existing
treatment for T2.
Based upon the generation of the Facility for 2011 through April 2013, Mini-Watt
requests that 69% of Orange 2 be certified as Rhode Island New and 31% of Orange 2 be
certified as Rhode Island Existing. Upon request and confidential treatment, Mini-Watt will
provide the Commission with a copy of its analysis.
V. Qualification for Comparable Renewable Portfolio Standard Requirement –
Mini-Watt has already self-certified the entire Facility as a Maine Class II renewable
resource. The Maine Public Utility Commission (“MPUC”) has certified the production from T3
as a Maine Class I renewable resource. Mini-Watt intends to qualify the production from T3 as a
Connecticut Class I source and New Hampshire Class I resource in the future.

VI.

Other Information –

The Facility’s electrical output is read by Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric
Company (“MMWEC”). The output of T1 is reported under MSS generator #854 as Orange #1
while the combined output of T2 and T3 is reported under MSS generator #855 as Orange #2.
This information is conveyed to ISO New England, Inc. (“ISO-NE”), which in turn conveys it
directly to APX, Inc., the operator of the NEPOOL Generation Information System (“GIS”).
Quarterly, Mini-Watt files a generation report with the MPUC in which it reports its
generation production from T1 (MSS Generator #854) as Orange #1, T2 (as part of MSS
Generator # 855) and T3 (also as part of MSS Generator #855). The percentage of the
production from Orange 2 attributed to T3 is calculated and, once accepted by MPUC, that report
and its percentage are sent to APX, Inc. APX, Inc. then adjusts the percentage of Orange 2 that
qualifies for Maine Class I treatment. Upon request, copies of such correspondence will be made
available to the Commission.
The Applicant has authorized APX to disclose to the Commission the Facility’s monthly
generation production.

List of Enclosures or Website Links

Rhode Island RES Application Form
Order Granting Exemption from Licensing of a Small Hydroelectric Project of Five Megawatts
or Less (Issued December 28, 1984)
Order Amending Exemption (Issued May 5, 2009)
Order Approving Streamflow Compliance Monitoring Plan (Issued August 2, 2010)
Other States’ RPS Certification –
Maine 1
Pre-Construction, Construction and Post Construction Reports and Photographs of the Facility

1

The MPUC does not issue orders confirming that generation facilities have been certified as Maine Class II
renewable resources.

RIPUC Use Only
Date Application Received: __
Date Review Completed:
__
Date Commission Action:
__
Date Commission Approved: __

GIS Certification #:
__ / __ __ / __ __
__ / __ __ / __ __
__ / __ __ / __ __
__ / __ __ / __ __

MSS #855

RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES ELIGIBILITY FORM
The Standard Application Form
Required of all Applicants for Certification of Eligibility of Renewable Energy Resource
(Version 7 – June 11, 2010)
STATE OF RHODEISLAND PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
Pursuant to the Renewable Energy Act
Section 39-26-1 et. seq. of the General Laws of Rhode Island
NOTICE:
When completing this Renewable Energy Resources Eligibility Form and any applicable Appendices, please refer to the
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Public Utilities Commission Rules and Regulations Governing the
Implementation of a Renewable Energy Standard (RES Regulations, Effective Date: January 1, 2006), and the associated
RES Certification Filing Methodology Guide. All applicable regulations, procedures and guidelines are available on the
Commission’s web site: www.ripuc.org/utilityinfo/res.html. Also, all filings must be in conformance with the
Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, in particular, Rule 1.5, or its successor regulation, entitled “Formal
Requirements as to Filings."
 Please complete the Renewable Energy Resources Eligibility Form and Appendices using a typewriter or black ink.
 Please submit one original and three copies of the completed Application Form, applicable Appendices and all
supporting documentation to the Commission at the following address:
Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission
89 Jefferson Blvd
Warwick, RI02888
Attn: Renewable Energy Resources Eligibility
In addition to the paper copies, electronic/email submittals are required under Commission regulations. Such electronic
submittals should be sent to: Luly E. Massaro, Commission Clerk at lmassaro@puc.state.ri.us
In addition to filing with the Commission, Applicants are required to send, electronically or electronically and in paper
format, a copy of the completed Application including all attachments and supporting documentation, to the Division of
Public Utilities and Carriers and to all interested parties. A list of interested parties can be obtained from the
Commission’s website at www.ripuc.org/utilityinfo/res.html.
Keep a copy of the completed Application for your records.
The Commission will notify the Authorized Representative if the Application is incomplete.
 Pursuant to Section 6.0 of the RES Regulations, the Commission shall provide a thirty (30) day period for public
comment following posting of any administratively complete Application.
 Please note that all information submitted on or attached to the Application is considered to be a public record unless
the Commission agrees to deem some portion of the application confidential after consideration under section 1.2(g) of the
Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure.
In accordance with Section 6.2 of the RES Regulations, the Commission will provide prospective reviews for Applicants
seeking a preliminary determination as to whether a facility would be eligible prior to the formal certification process
described in Section 6.1 of the RES Regulations. Please note that space is provided on the Form for applicant to designate
the type of review being requested.
 Questions related to this Renewable Energy Resources Eligibility Form should be submitted in writing, preferably via
email and directed to: Luly E. Massaro, Commission Clerk at lmassaro@puc.state.ri.us

SECTION I: Identification Information

1.1

Name of Generation Unit (sufficient for full and unique identification):
Orange #2 (Mini-Watt Hydroelectric)

1.2

Type of Certification being requested (check one):
X

1.3

Standard Certification

❑

Prospective Certification (Declaratory Judgment)

This Application includes: (Check all that apply) 1
 APPENDIX A: Authorized Representative Certification for Individual Owner or
Operator
X APPENDIX B: Authorized Representative Certification for Non-Corporate
Entities Other Than Individuals
X APPENDIX C: Existing Renewable Energy Resources
 APPENDIX D: Special Provisions for Aggregators of Customer-sited or Off-grid
Generation Facilities
 APPENDIX E: Special Provisions for a Generation Unit Located in a Control
Area Adjacent to NEPOOL
 APPENDIX F: Fuel Source Plan for Eligible Biomass Fuels

1.4

Primary Contact Person name and title:
William P. Short III, Consultant

1.5

Primary Contact Person address and contact information:
Address: P.O. Box 237173
New York, New York 10023-7173
Phone: (917) 206-0001
Fax: (917) 206-0001
Email:
w.shortiii@verizon.net

1.6

Backup Contact Person name and title:
Stephen J. Fisk, General Manager

1.7

1

Backup Contact Person address and contact information:
Address: Mini-Watt Hydroelectric, LLC
c/o O’Connell Energy Group
57 Suffolk Street, Suite 200
Holyoke, Massachusetts 01040
Phone: (413) 534-4660
Fax: (413) 536-4911
Email: sfisk@oconnells.com

Please note that all Applicants are required to complete the Renewable Energy Resources Eligibility Standard
Application Form and all of the Appendices that apply to the Generation Unit or Owner or Operator that is the
subject of this Form. Please omit Appendices that do not apply.

1.8

Name and Title of Authorized Representative (i.e., the individual responsible for
certifying the accuracy of all information contained in this form and associated
appendices, and whose signature will appear on the application):
William P. Short III, Consultant
Appendix A or B (as appropriate) completed and attached? ❑ Yes

❑ No

1.9

Authorized Representative address and contact information:
Address:
P.O. Box 237173
New York, New York 10023-7173
Phone: (917) 206-0001
Fax: (917) 206-0001
Email: w.shortiii@verizon.net

1.10

Owner name and title:
Stephen J. Fisk, General Manager

1.11

Owner address and contact information:
Address: Mini-Watt Hydroelectric, LLC
c/o O’Connell Energy Group
57 Suffolk Street, Suite 200
Holyoke, Massachusetts 01040
Phone:
(413) 534-4660
Email:
sfisk@oconnells.com

Fax: (413) 536-4911

1.12

Owner business organization type (check one):
 Individual
 Partnership
 Corporation
X Other: Massachusetts Limited Liability Company

1.13

Operator name and title: Stephen J. Fisk, General Manager
Operator address and contact information:
Address: O’Connell Energy Group
57 Suffolk Street, Suite 200
Holyoke, Massachusetts 01040
Phone:
(413) 534-4660 Fax: (413) 536-4911
Email:
sfisk@oconnells.com

1.14

Operator business organization type (check one):
 Individual
 Partnership
 Corporation
X Other: Massachusetts Limited Liability Company

X N/A

SECTION II: Generation Unit Information, Fuels, Energy Resources and Technologies
2.1

ISO-NE Generation Unit Asset Identification Number or NEPOOL GIS Identification
Number (either or both as applicable): MSS #855

2.2

Generation Unit Nameplate Capacity: 0.455 MW

2.3

Maximum Demonstrated Capacity: 0.455 MW

2.4

Please indicate which of the following Eligible Renewable Energy Resources are used by
the Generation Unit: (Check ALL that apply) – per RES Regulations Section 5.0
 Direct solar radiation
 The wind
 Movement of or the latent heat of the ocean
 The heat of the earth
X Small hydro facilities
 Biomass facilities using Eligible Biomass Fuels and maintaining compliance with all
aspects of current air permits; Eligible Biomass Fuels may be co-fired with fossil
fuels, provided that only the renewable energy fraction of production from multi-fuel
facilities shall be considered eligible.
 Biomass facilities using unlisted biomass fuel
 Biomass facilities, multi-fueled or using fossil fuel co-firing
 Fuel cells using a renewable resource referenced in this section

2.5

If the box checked in Section 2.4 above is “Small hydro facilities”, please certify that the
facility’s aggregate capacity does not exceed 30 MW. – per RES Regulations Section
3.32
X check this box to certify that the above statement is true
❑ N/A or other (please explain) ______________________________________
______________________________________________________________

2.6

If the box checked in Section 2.4 above is “Small hydro facilities”, please certify that the
facility does not involve any new impoundment or diversion of water with an average
salinity of twenty (20) parts per thousand or less. – per RES Regulations Section 3.32
X check this box to certify that the above statement is true
❑ N/A or other (please explain) ______________________________________
______________________________________________________________

2.7

If you checked one of the Biomass facilities boxes in Section 2.4 above, please respond
to the following:
A.
Please specify the fuel or fuels used or to be used in the Unit: _______________
________________________________________________________________________
B.

Please complete and attach Appendix F, Eligible Biomass Fuel Source Plan.
Appendix F completed and attached?

❑ Yes

❑ No

❑ N/A

2.8

Has the Generation Unit been certified as a Renewable Energy Resource for eligibility in
another state’s renewable portfolio standard?
X Yes ❑ No

If yes, please attach a copy of that state’s certifying order.

Copy of State’s certifying order attached?

X Yes

X No

❑ N/A

SECTION III: Commercial Operation Date
Please provide documentation to support all claims and responses to the following questions:
3.1

Date Generation Unit first entered Commercial Operation: 11 / 30 / 2010 at the site.
If the commercial operation date is after December 31, 1997, please provide independent
verification, such as the utility log or metering data, showing that the meter first spun
after December 31, 1997. This is needed in order to verify that the facility qualifies as a
New Renewable Energy Resource.
Documentation attached?

3.2

X Yes

❑ No

❑ N/A

Is there an Existing Renewable Energy Resource located at the site of Generation Unit?
X Yes
❑ No

3.3

If the date entered in response to question 3.1 is earlier than December 31, 1997 or if you
checked “Yes” in response to question 3.2 above, please complete Appendix C.
Appendix C completed and attached?

3.4

X Yes

❑ No

❑ N/A

Was all or any part of the Generation Unit used on or before December 31, 1997 to
generate electricity at any other site?
 Yes
X No

3.5

If you checked “Yes” to question 3.4 above, please specify the power production
equipment used and the address where such power production equipment produced
electricity (attach more detail if the space provided is not sufficient):
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

SECTION IV: Metering
4.1

Please indicate how the Generation Unit’s electrical energy output is verified (check all
that apply):
X ISO-NE Market Settlement System
 Self-reported to the NEPOOL GIS Administrator
 Other (please specify below and see Appendix D: Eligibility for Aggregations):
_____________________________________________________________________
Appendix D completed and attached?

❑ Yes

❑ No

X N/A

SECTION V: Location
5.1

Please check one of the following that apply to the Generation Unit:
X Grid Connected Generation
 Off-Grid Generation (not connected to a utility transmission or distribution system)
 Customer Sited Generation (interconnected on the end-use customer side of the retail
electricity meter in such a manner that it displaces all or part of the metered
consumption of the end-use customer)

5.2

Generation Unit address: Orange #2 (the “Project”) is located on the Millers River at
18 Chase Court REAR, Orange, Massachusetts.

5.3

Please provide the Generation Unit’s geographic location information:

5.4

A.

Universal Transverse Mercator Coordinates: ________________________

B.

Latitude/Longitude – 420 35’ 21.21”N / 720 18’ 38.08”W

The Generation Unit located: (please check the appropriate box)
X In the NEPOOL control area
 In a control area adjacent to the NEPOOL control area
 In a control area other than NEPOOL which is not adjacent to the NEPOOL control
area If you checked this box, then the generator does not qualify for the RI RES –
therefore, please do not complete/submit this form.

5.5

If you checked “In a control area adjacent to the NEPOOL control area” in Section 5.4
above, please complete Appendix E.
Appendix E completed and attached?

❑ Yes

❑ No

X N/A

SECTION VI: Certification
6.1

Please attach documentation, using one of the applicable forms below, demonstrating the
authority of the Authorized Representative indicated in Section 1.8 to certify and submit
this Application.
Corporations
If the Owner or Operator is a corporation, the Authorized Representative
shall provide either:
(a) Evidence of a board of directors vote granting authority to the Authorized
Representative to execute the Renewable Energy Resources Eligibility Form, or
(b) A certification from the Corporate Clerk or Secretary of the Corporation that the
Authorized Representative is authorized to execute the Renewable Energy Resources
Eligibility Form or is otherwise authorized to legally bind the corporation in like
matters.
Evidence of Board Vote provided?

❑ Yes

❑ No

X N/A

Corporate Certification provided?

❑ Yes

❑ No

X N/A

Individuals
If the Owner or Operator is an individual, that individual shall complete and
attach APPENDIX A, or a similar form of certification from the Owner or
Operator, duly notarized, that certifies that the Authorized Representative has
authority to execute the Renewable Energy Resources Eligibility Form.
Appendix A completed and attached?

❑ Yes

❑ No

X N/A

Non-Corporate Entities
(Proprietorships, Partnerships, Cooperatives, etc.) If the Owner or Operator is not an
individual or a corporation, it shall complete and attach APPENDIX B or execute a
resolution indicating that the Authorized Representative named in Section 1.8 has
authority to execute the Renewable Energy Resources Eligibility Form or to otherwise
legally bind the non-corporate entity in like matters.
Appendix B completed and attached?

X Yes

❑ No

❑ N/A

GIS Certification #:

MSS #855

APPENDIX C
(Revised 6/11/10)
(Required of all Applicants with Generation Units at the Site of Existing
Renewable Energy Resources)
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISION
RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES ELIGIBILITY FORM
Pursuant to the Renewable Energy Act
Section 39-26-1 et. seq. of the General Laws of Rhode Island

If the Generation Unit: (1) first entered into commercial operation before December 31, 1997; or
(2) is located at the exact site of an Existing Renewable Energy Resource, please complete the
following and attach documentation, as necessary to support all responses:
C.1

Is the Generating Unit seeking certification, either in whole or in part, as a New
Renewable Energy Resource?

X Yes

❑ No

C.2

If you answered “Yes” to question C.1, please complete the remainder of Appendix C. If
you answered “No” and are seeking certification entirely as an Existing Renewable
Energy Resource, you do NOT need to complete the remainder of Appendix C.

C.3

If an Existing Renewable Energy Resource is/was located at the site, has such Existing
Renewable Energy Resource been retired and replaced with the new Generation Unit at
the same site?

C.4

X Yes

❑ No

Is the Generation Unit a Repowered Generation Unit (as defined in Section 3.29 of the
RES Regulations) which uses Eligible Renewable Energy Resources and which first
entered commercial operation after December 31, 1997 at the site of an existing
Generation Unit?

❑ Yes

X No

C.5

If you checked “Yes” to question C.4 above, please provide documentation to support
that the entire output of the Repowered Generation Unit first entered commercial
operation after December 31, 1997.

C.6

Is the Generation Unit a multi-fuel facility in which an Eligible Biomass Fuel is first cofired with fossil fuels after December 31, 1997?

❑ Yes

X No

F-2

C.7

If you checked “Yes” to question C.6 above, please provide documentation to support
that the renewable energy fraction of the energy output first occurred after December 31,
1997.

C.8

Is the Generation Unit an Existing Renewable Energy Resource other than an Intermittent
Resource (as defined in Sections 3.10 and 3.15 of the RES Regulations)? ❑ Yes

C.9

X No

If you checked “Yes” to question C.8 above, please attach evidence of completed capital
investments after December 31, 1997 attributable to efficiency improvements or
additions of capacity that are sufficient to, were intended to, and can be demonstrated to
increase annual electricity output in excess of ten percent (10%). As specified in Section
3.23.v of the RES Regulations, the determination of incremental production shall not be
based on any operational changes at such facility not directly associated with the
efficiency improvements or additions of capacity.
Please provide the single proposed percentage of production to be deemed incremental,
attributable to the efficiency improvements or additions of capacity placed in service after
December 31, 1997. Please make this calculation by comparing actual electrical output
over the three calendar years 1995-1997 (the “Historical Generation Baseline”) with the
actual output following the improvements. The incremental production above the
Historical Generation Baseline will be considered “New” generation for the purposes of
RES. Please give the percentage of the facility’s total output that qualifies as such to be
considered “New” generation.

C.10

Is the Generating Unit an Existing Renewable Energy Resource that is an Intermittent
Resource?

❑ Yes

X No

C.11

If you checked “Yes” to question C.10 above, please attach evidence of completed capital
investments after December 31, 1997 attributable to efficiency improvements or
additions of capacity that are sufficient to, were intended to, and have demonstrated on a
normalized basis to increase annual electricity output in excess of ten percent (10%). The
determination of incremental production shall not be based on any operational changes at
such facility not directly associated with the efficiency improvements or additions of
capacity. In no event shall any production that would have existed during the Historical
Generation Baseline period in the absence of the efficiency improvements or additions to
capacity be considered incremental production. Please refer to Section 3.23.vi of the
RES Regulations for further guidance.

C.12

If you checked “Yes” to C.10, provide the single proposed percentage of production to be
deemed incremental, attributable to the efficiency improvements or additions of capacity
placed in service after December 31, 1997. The incremental production above the
Historical Generation Baseline will be considered “New” generation for the purposes of
RES. Please make this calculation by comparing actual monthly electrical output over the
three calendar years 1995-1997 (the “Historical Generation Baseline”) with the actual
output following the improvements on a normalized basis. Please provide back-up

F-3

information sufficient for the Commission to make a determination of this incremental
production percentage.
For example, for small hydro facilities, please use historical river flow data to create a
monthly normalized comparison (e.g. average MWh produced per cubic foot/second of
river flow for each month) between actual output values post-improvements with the
Historical Generation Baseline. For solar and wind facilities, please use historical solar
irradiation, wind flow, or other applicable data to normalize the facility’s current
production against the Historical Generation Baseline.
C.13

If you checked “no” to both C.3 and C.4 above, please complete the following:
a.

Was the Existing Renewable Energy Resource located at the exact site at any time
during calendar years 1995 through 1997?

❑ Yes

X No

b.

If you checked “yes” in Subsection (a) above, please provide the Generation Unit
Asset Identification Number and the average annual electrical production (MWhs)
for the three calendar years 1995 through 1997, or for the first 36 months after the
Commercial Operation Date if that date is after December 31, 1994, for each such
Generation Unit.

c.

Please attach a copy of the derivation of the average provided in (b) above, along
with documentation support (such as ISO reports) for the information provided in
Subsection (b) above. Data must be consistent with quantities used for ISO
Market Settlement System.

F-4

20100802-3011 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 08/02/2010

132 FERC ¶ 62,084
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION

Mini-Watt Hydroelectric LLC

Project No. 6096-012

ORDER APPROVING STREAMFLOW COMPLIANCE MONITORING PLAN

(Issued August 02, 2010)

1.
On April 30, 2010, Mini-Watt Hydroelectric LLC, exemptee for the New
Home Dam Project, filed its Streamflow Compliance Monitoring Plan, pursuant to
the Order Amending Exemption (2009 order).1 The project is located on the
Millers River in Franklin County, Massachusetts.
BACKGROUND
2.
The project consists of the New Home Dam, comprised of two Bascule
gates (approximately 7 feet by 40 feet) with center and end piers, and two
powerhouses, one on the north side and one on the south side. The north
powerhouse is located at the end of an open flume structure, approximately 90 feet
downstream of the dam and houses one turbine, T1 (operates at 225 cubic feet per
second (cfs)). The south powerhouse is located at the end side of a discharge
channel, approximately 110 feet downstream of the dam, and houses two turbines,
T2 (operates at 176 cfs) and T3 (operates at flows ranging from 14 to 190 cfs).
3.
Article 2 of the project’s exemption requires that the project be operated in
compliance with any terms and conditions that federal or state fish and wildlife
agencies have determined appropriate to prevent loss of, or damage to, fish and
wildlife resources. 2 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), in a letter dated
November 14, 1984, stipulated that the project provide an instantaneous minimum
flow of 152 cfs below the project (that is, historical median August flow), and 10
cfs in the bypassed reach, or inflow, whichever is less.
1
2

127 FERC ¶62,107 (Issued May 5, 2009).

Order Granting Exemption for Licensing of a Small Hydroelectric Project of 5
Megawatts or Less, 29 FERC ¶61,356 (1984).

20100802-3011 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 08/02/2010

Project No. 6096-012

-2-

4.
The exemptee’s compliance history shows that there have been several
allegations of noncompliance with Article 2.3 The Commission was often unable
to determine if the project was operated in compliance with Article 2 based on the
data provided by the exemptee, and further indicated that it was unlikely that
project operators had the information needed to ensure minimum flow release
requirements were being met. In a February 12, 2002, letter, the Commission
requested the exemptee to file a streamflow compliance and monitoring plan that
included: (1) a description of how the project would be operated to insure that
inflows are released as quickly as possible following times when downstream
flows fall below 152 cfs; (2) a description of how flows below the project would
be monitored and recorded to ensure and demonstrate compliance with exemption
Article 2; and (3) comments or correspondence from the U.S. Geological Survey
(USGS) and FWS regarding the plan. The exemptee filed a plan on April 5, 2002,
in which it proposed to adjust the operating procedure on a trial basis over six
months. The plan entailed using the Army Corps of Engineers gage (Corps gage,
in Athol, Massachusetts) as an indicator of river flow to operate the project and
manage the upper pond level (0.5 to 1.5 inches above the dam crest when river
flows are at or below 152 cfs, and 0.5 above to 0.5 inches below the dam crest
when river flows are above 152 cfs). The Corps gage is located in a flat water
section of the river (an apparent backwater of the New Home Dam Project) and
the impoundment behind the dam could result in an inaccurate discharge reading
at the gage, particularly at low flows. In its June 25, 2002, letter, the Commission
found it unacceptable to use the Corps gage to determine when to modify
operations. Additionally, the Commission determined that the exemptee should be
able to determine compliance based on estimates of project discharge based on
project generation, and concluded that additional gaging below the project may be
needed if compliance problems arose at the project.
5.
The Commission’s 2009 order included the FWS’ request for the exemptee
to provide an updated streamflow compliance monitoring plan. Specifically, the
plan should include the location of the monitoring equipment and provide for gage
system calibration, the method of flow data collection, and the process for
providing data to the FWS, Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife (MDFW),
and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP) within
30 days of an agency request for that data.

3

See unpublished letters issued by the Commission dated December 10, 2001;
February 12 and June 25, 2002; August 27, 2007; and December 22, 2009.

20100802-3011 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 08/02/2010

Project No. 6096-012

-3-

EXEMPTEE’S PLANS
6.
The exemptee’s plan states that all three turbines can be operated in
automated level control, with any unit being selected as the lead turbine. Under
normal operating conditions, the standard operating procedure states that T3 will
be the flow regulating turbine (i.e., first on, last off). Measurements from sensors
located in the head pond, tailrace, and each turbine gate will be used to calculate
stream flows through the turbines and the total facility flow. Operation of T3 will
be based on a head pond level of approximately 0.5 inches above the crest of the
dam, with turbine gate settings automatically adjusted to maintain this head pond
elevation. All operations are subject to conditions beyond the control of the
facility operators (including but not limited to power outages, equipment failures,
signal variations due to temperature, and fouling of sensors by river debris).
7.
During a decrease in pond elevation (decreasing river flow conditions), T3
turbine gates will modulate to a closed position. The gates will continue to close
(based on a computer algorithm for time and pond level) in an attempt to maintain
the head pond elevation at 0.5 inches above the crest of the dam. In a situation
where T3 is at minimum gate position and the head pond level decreases to below
0.5 inches above the dam, T3 and the remaining turbines will be turned off and all
inflow will pass over the dam. If pond levels continue to decrease, human
operator actions will be implemented, including closing of manually operated head
gates to minimize leakage through the turbines to preserve the head pond.
8.
During an increase in pond elevations (increasing river flow condition),
turbine gates will modulate open, to limit upstream flooding. The gates will
continue to open (based on a computer algorithm for time and pond level) in an
attempt to maintain head pond elevation at 0.5 inches above the bascule gate. If
pond levels continue to rise after T3 has reached full gate, T1 will be started and
ramped up to optimum gate; simultaneously, T3 will be reduced to a minimum
gate setting and will continue to automatically adjust to maintain head pond levels
(i.e., its gates will continue to open if the sensed pond level continues to increase).
If the sensed pond level continues to rise, then T2 will be started and ramped up to
optimum gate; simultaneously, T3 will be reduced to a minimum gate setting and
will continue to adjust to maintain head pond levels as described above. If the
head pond continues to rise when all turbines are on and at full capacity, then the
south Bascule gate will automatically adjust downward upon reaching the top of
the center pier located between the two bascule gates at the dam. After this level
is reached, then human operator input is required for manual operation of north
Bascule gate to respond to high river flow situations. During high flow events, the
sequences of operations are coordinated with the Army Corps Flood Control
Operators at Tully Lake and Birch Hill Dams, located upstream of the New Home

20100802-3011 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 08/02/2010

Project No. 6096-012

-4-

Dam. When high river flow conditions subside back to the decreasing flow
condition, the sequence of operation is reversed.
9.
Streamflow compliance will be accomplished by maintaining head pond
elevation as described above in the standard operating procedure. At river flows
up to 600 cfs, the pond level is controlled by operating the 3 turbines; flows are
calculated for each turbine based on turbine equipment curves and recorded head
and gate positions. For each turbine, the turbine flow calculation is performed by
a computer to calculate the water flow based on the equipment performance
curves, using data collected from level monitoring devices for the head pond and
tail water elevation, and for the turbine gate position. Above a 600 cfs pond level,
the crest gates are operated to prevent upstream flooding.
10.
Upon request by the agencies, the exemptee will compile the data into a
report format and provide the report within 30 days of the request. The report will
include the following information collected from sensors: date and time stamps,
head pond and tailwater elevation, net head (difference between head pond and
tailwater elevations), turbine wicket gate position, and bascule gate elevation. The
report will additionally include data on flows from leakage through the dam (10
cfs), downstream passage at the south and north sides of the powerhouse (up to 25
cfs if operator tag is selected on), flow over the dam, flow through each turbine,
and total flows through the facility. The data used in the turbine flow calculation
will be recorded in 60 minute intervals and stored in a file on a monthly basis.
The collected data will be maintained on site in electronic format, and backed up
to an offsite location on a monthly basis. Data will be retained for a period of
three years.
11.
A staff gage will be installed adjacent to the head pond level transducer in
the summer of 2010, thus providing a numerical indicator of pond elevation and an
opportunity to calibrate the level transducer. Daily inspections will be made at the
site, and alarms (for high and low water level conditions during generating
conditions) will automatically dial to the operator after normal operating hours.
Daily inspections will specifically include observation of water levels and any
needed adjustments made in the programmable logic controller (PLC) input from
transducers and set points (if adjustments cannot be made or the transducer’s input
provides incorrect information, the transducer will be replaced with a spare kept in
the spare parts inventory).
AGENCY CONSULTATION
12.
The FWS provided comments on the exemptee’s plan on March 11, 2010.
The comments suggested several language changes in the exemptee’s description

20100802-3011 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 08/02/2010

Project No. 6096-012

-5-

of minimum flows through the facility. Additionally, the FWS recommended the
plan contain a discussion of how data will be maintained and a description of how
flow monitoring equipment will be maintained and calibrated. Following these
revisions, the exemptee provided the final plan to the FWS, MDEP, and MDFW
on March 22, 2010. The FWS, MDEP, and MDFW each accepted the plan, on
March 31, April 12, and April 28, 2010, respectively.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
13.
The exemptee’s plan should ensure compliance with the streamflow
requirements of the project exemption and addresses the concerns previously
raised by the Commission’s noncompliance investigations (specifically, that the
exemptee lacked the information needed to ensure minimum flow release
requirements were met, and was unable to provide a data set demonstrating
compliance). The licensee’s agency-approved streamflow compliance monitoring
plan for the New Home Dam Project meets the requirements of the 2009 order,
and should be approved.
The Director Orders:
(A) Pursuant to the Order Amending Exemption, Mini-Watt
Hydroelectric’s streamflow compliance monitoring plan, filed on April 30, 2010,
is approved.
(B) This order constitutes final agency action. Requests for rehearing by the
Commission may be filed within 30 days of the date of issuance of this order,
pursuant to 18 C.F.R. § 385.713.

Steve Hocking
Chief, Biological Resources Branch
Division of Hydropower Administration
and Compliance

20100802-3011 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 08/02/2010

Document Content(s)
P-6096-012.DOC........................................................1-5

STATE OF MAINE
PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

Docket No. 2012-00081
September 25, 2012

MINI-WATT HYDROELECTRIC LLC
Request for Certification for RPS Eligibility

ORDER GRANTING IN PART
AND DENYING IN PART NEW
RENEWABLE RESOURCE
CERTIFICATION

WELCH, Chairman; LITTELL and VANNOY, Commissioners
I.

SUMMARY

We approve in part and deny in part Mini-Watt Hydroelectric’s (Mini-Watt) petition
for certification of the Mini-Watt hydroelectric facility (Facility) as a Class I new
renewable resource pursuant to Chapter 311, § 3(B)(3)(d) of the Commission’s rules.
The part denied is without prejudice with respect to future submissions of additional
information in support of certification under the refurbishment prong or a petition for
certification under another vintage prong.
II.

BACKGROUND
A.

New Renewable Resource Portfolio Requirement

During its 2007 session, the Legislature enacted an Act To Stimulate
Demand for Renewable Energy (Act). P.L. 2007, ch. 403 (codified at 35-A M.R.S.A.
§ 3210(3-A)). The Act added a mandate that specified percentages of electricity that
supply Maine’s consumers come from “new” renewable resources.1 Generally, new
renewable resources are renewable facilities that have an in-service date, resumed
operation or were refurbished after September 1, 2005. The percentage requirement
starts at one percent in 2008 and increases in annual one percent increments to ten
percent in 2017, unless the Commission suspends the requirement pursuant to the
provisions of the Act.
As required by the Act, the Commission modified its portfolio requirement
rule (Chapter 311) to implement the “new” renewable resource requirement. Public
Utilities Commission Amendments to Portfolio Requirement Rule (Chapter 311), Docket
No. 2001-391, Order Adopting Rule and Statement of Factual and Policy Basis (Oct. 22,
1

Maine’s electric restructuring law, which became effective in March 2000,
contained a portfolio requirement that mandated that at least 30% of the electricity to
supply retail customers in the State come from eligible resources, which are either
renewable or efficient resources. 35-A M.R.S.A. § 3210(3). The Act did not modify this
30% requirement.

2

Order…

Docket No. 2012-00081

2007) (Order Adopting Rule). The implementing rules designated the “new” renewable
resource requirement as “Class I”2 and incorporated the resource type, capacity limit,
and the vintage requirements as specified in the Act. The rules thus state that a new
renewable resource used to satisfy the Class I portfolio requirement must be of the
following types:
 fuel cells;
 tidal power;
 solar arrays and installations;
 wind power installations;
 geothermal installations;
 hydroelectric generators that meet all state and federal fish
passage requirements; or
 biomass generators, including generators fueled by landfill gas.
In addition, except for wind power installations, the generating resource
must not have a nameplate capacity that exceeds 100 MW. Finally, the resource must
satisfy one of four vintage requirements. These are:
1)

renewable capacity with an in-service date after September 1,

2005;
2)
renewable capacity that has been added to an existing facility after
September 1, 2005;
3)
renewable capacity that has not operated for two years or was not
recognized as a capacity resource by the ISO-NE or the NMISA prior to September 1,
2005, and, after September 1, 2005, has resumed operation or has been recognized by
the ISO-NE or NMISA as a capacity resource; or
4)
renewable capacity that has been refurbished after September 1,
2005 and is operating beyond its useful life or employing an alternate technology that
significantly increases the efficiency of the generation process.
The implementing rules (Chapter 311, § 3(B)(4)) establish a certification
process that requires generators to pre-certify facilities as a new renewable resource
under the requirements of the rule and provides for a Commission determination of
resource eligibility on a case-by-case basis.3 The rule contains the information that must
2

The “new” renewable resource requirement was designated as Class I because
the requirement is similar to portfolio requirements in other New England states that are
referred to as “Class I.” Maine’s pre-existing “eligible” resource portfolio requirement is
designated as Class II.
3

In the Order Adopting Rule at 6, the Commission noted that a request for
certification can be made at any time so that a ruling can be obtained before a capital
investment is made in a generation facility.

3

Order…

Docket No. 2012-00081

be included in a petition for certification and specifies that the Commission shall provide
an opportunity for public comment if a petitioner seeks certification under vintage
categories 2, 3 and 4. Finally, the rule specifies that the Commission may revoke a
certification if there is a material change in circumstance that renders the generation
facility ineligible as a new renewable resource.
B.

Petition for Certification

On February 16, 2012, Mini-Watt filed a petition to certify its 455 kW
Facility located in Orange, Massachusetts as a Class I New Renewable Resource under
the refurbishment provision of the Commission’s renewable portfolio rules. Ch. 311, §
3(B)(3)(d). The petition states the dam was reconstructed in 1940 after a flood severely
damaged the previous dam and that the 175 kW North Powerhouse generating unit
(“T1”) was installed at that time. The South Powerhouse contains two more generating
units, a 120 kW unit installed in 1944 (“T2”), and a new 160 kW unit installed in 2010
(“T3”) that replaced a 1944 vintage 120 kW turbine. The petition states the Mini-Watt
Facility meets all State and Federal fish passage requirements.
Regarding refurbishment, the petition states the typical life expectancy of
a dam is 100 years and 25 years for the equipment. Since September 1, 2005, the MiniWatt Facility has had $800,000 worth of project investments, including complete
replacement of T3, increased generator and circuit breaker capacity, modernization of
the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, improvement in the
hydraulic actuators and controls, and a new circuit breaker, solid state exciter, and
protective relay for T1.
On March 19, 2012, Mini-Watt completed their petition by filing under
protective order a detailed list of the project investments. Commission Staff issued a set
of follow-up questions on the petition on March 21, 2012, to which Mini-Watt provided
answers on March 29, 2012.
As required by our rules, the Commission Staff provided interested
persons with an opportunity to comment on the Mini-Watt petition. No comments were
filed.
On August 6, 2012, the Commission Staff issued a recommended
decision to approve Class I new renewable resource certification for the output of T3,
but to deny certification for the output of T1 and T2. Mini-Watt filed reply comments
defending their request to certify the output of T1 and T2 as a Class I new renewable
resource on August 16, 2012.

4

Order…
III.

Docket No. 2012-00081

DECISION
A.

Compliance with State and Federal Fish Passage Requirements

As an initial matter, for a hydroelectric facility to qualify as a new
renewable resource, it must meet all applicable state and federal fish passage
requirements and cannot exceed 100 MW. Ch. 311, § 3(B). It appears from the record
that the Facility does have some fish passage facilities in place. According to Mini-Watt,
on the North side of the Facility where T1 is located, downstream fish passage was
installed in 2002 and the U.S. Geological Service (USGS) installed an eel trap in 2011.
Additionally, Mini-Watt stated that on the South side of the Facility where T2 and T3 are
located, downstream fish passage was installed in 2004 and the USGS installed
upstream eel passage in 2008. Based upon the record, it appears that the downstream
fish passage facilities are operated seasonally, mainly in the spring for out-migrating
Atlantic salmon smolts.
In support of Mini-Watt’s statements that the Facility complies with all state
and Federal fish passage requirements, Mini-Watt submitted the initial December 28,
1984 FERC order granting the Facility an exemption from the licensing requirements
contained in Article Part I of the Federal Power Act (29 FERC ¶ 61,356) (1984 FERC
Order), the May 5, 2009 FERC Order amending the Facility’s exemption to include the
changes in the Facility’s installed capacity resulting from the T3 replacement (2009
FERC Order), and the August 2, 2010 FERC Order approving the Facility’s Streamflow
Compliance Plan. Mini-Watt also submitted March 2009 letters from the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (FWS) and the Massachusetts Division of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
(MDFW) commenting on the proposed license amendment.
Article 2 of the Facility’s 1984 FERC Order requires that the Facility
comply with any terms and conditions that Federal or State fish and wildlife agencies
have determined appropriate to prevent loss of, or damage to, fish and wildlife
resources. It appears from the record that the FWS has imposed stream flow
requirements related to the protection of fish and wildlife resources. 132 FERC ¶
62,084. Mini-Watt provided an updated Streamflow Compliance Monitoring Plan
(Updated Streamflow Plan) as part of its license amendment process at FERC, and the
Updated Streamflow Plan was accepted by FWS, the MDFW, and the Massachusetts
Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP), and was ultimately approved by
FERC. 132 FERC ¶ 62,084.
The March 2009 letters from the FWS and MDFW commenting on the
proposed license amendment recognized the existing downstream fish passage present
at the Facility and did not object to Mini-Watt’s license amendment request. Further, the
agencies did not indicate that the Facility was out of compliance with state of Federal
fish passage requirements. According to Mini-Watt, MDEP did not comment on any fish
passage issues associated with Mini-Watt’s license amendment request, despite an
opportunity to do so.

5

Order…

Docket No. 2012-00081

Based upon the documentation filed in this case, as well as the absence
of any indication from recent reviews of the Facility’s license amendment by relevant
state and Federal agencies that the Facility is out of compliance with state and federal
fish passage requirements, we conclude that the 455 kW Facility presently meets all
applicable state and federal fish passage requirements.
B.

Vintage Requirement

As mentioned above, Mini-Watt is seeking certification under the
“refurbishment” vintage category. This vintage category is set forth in both Chapter 311
of the Commission’s rules and the RPS statute set forth in Title 35-A, section 3210.
Under Chapter 311, the refurbishment vintage category requires that the
new renewable generation facility:
has been refurbished after September 1, 2005 and is operating
beyond its previous useful life or is employing an alternate
technology that significantly increases the efficiency of the
generation process.
Ch. 311, § 3(B)(3)(d). The refurbishment vintage category in the RPS statute has
essentially the same wording. 35-A M.R.S.A. § 3210(2)(B-4)(4). To clarify the meaning of
refurbishment, the Legislature subsequently enacted an amendment to the refurbishment
prong of the vintage requirement to provide a definition of refurbishment. Pursuant to the
statutory amendment, “to refurbish” means ”to make an investment in equipment or
facilities, other than for routine maintenance and repair, to renovate, reequip or restore the
renewable capacity resource.” 35-A M.R.S.A. § 3210(2)(B-4).
As stated by the Maine Law Court in its recent decision, Covanta Maine, LLC
v. Public Utilities Commission, the purpose of the refurbishment provision is to encourage
the preservation of older existing renewable generation facilities by creating an incentive
for owners to make the investments necessary to preserve and extend the useful lives of
these older facilities. Covanta Maine, LLC v. Public Utilities Commission, 2012 ME 74,
¶ 18 (2012) (Covanta Decision).
Pursuant to the Maine Law Court’s analysis in the Covanta Decision, in the
course of making its determination regarding whether there has been a refurbishment, the
Commission must consider the nature and character of the expenditures to determine
whether they were made for the purpose of repair or maintenance or for investment in
equipment or facilities. Covanta, 2012 ME 74, ¶¶ 17, 19.
Mini-Watt has represented in their petition and supporting documentation
that they are seeking qualification under the first prong the refurbishment vintage category:
that the resource “has been refurbished after September 1, 2005 and is operating beyond
its previous useful life.” Mini-Watt has not sought certification under the alternative
technology portion of the refurbishment prong.

6

Order…
1.

Docket No. 2012-00081

Refurbishment

In its Petition, Mini-Watt states that it has completed over $800,000 in
refurbishment projects since September 1, 2005 which, as stated above, include the
replacement of T3, increased generator and circuit breaker capacity, the modernization of
the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for the entire facility,
improvements to hydraulic actuators and controls for interface into new control system for
T1 and T2, replacement of the T1 circuit breaker for control system compatibility,
installation of a new solid state exciter for T1, and installation of a new protective relay for
T1. Petition at 3.
In its March 16, 2012 confidential supplement to the Petition, MiniWatt submitted a detailed, confidential list of the costs and expenditures related to the
Facility that were made after September 2005. The overall project title and some of the
items included on the list were identified as related to T3. However, no items were
identified as related to T1 or T2. In response to the Staff’s information request for a
breakdown of the capital investments categorized by the turbine to which they applied,
Mini-Watt submitted a revised “List of Tax Based Accounting for Capitalized Investments”
that showed an allocation of costs to the T1 and T2 turbines based on an equal sharing of
certain categories of costs among the three turbines. Mini-Watt indicated that, based on a
review of its records, it could not provide more detail with regard to categorizing the costs
by turbine. March 29, 2012 Attachment to Response No. 2.4
From a physical and engineering perspective, the complete
replacement of T3 constitutes a refurbishment to that part of the Facility, but the evidence
presented regarding the investments that were made to T1 and T2 after September 1,
2005 is not sufficient to establish that T1 and T2 were renovated, reequipped or restored.
The investments that Mini-Watt has attributed to T1 and T2 are the modernization of the
SCADA system for the entire facility, improvements to hydraulic actuators and controls for
interface into new control system for T1 and T2, replacement of the T1 circuit breaker for
control system compatibility, installation of a new solid state exciter for T1, and installation
of a new protective relay for T1. As described earlier, Mini-Watt’s responses to Staff’s
questions suggest that the central premise of the project was to refurbish T3, and that the
T1 and T2 investments were made to so that those two turbines would be compatible with
the systems installed as part of the T3 refurbishment or that it made sense to upgrade the
same components for T1 and T2 at the time that those upgrades were made for T3.
When asked to provide additional detail on the investments in T1 and T2, Mini-Watt
indicated it could not verify the T1 and T2 investments separately from the T3
investments. Since our finding that T3 has been refurbished is based primarily on the
wholesale replacement of T3, we do not decide whether modernization of the SCADA
system, improvements to hydraulic actuators and controls, replacement of a circuit
4

Mini-Watt also submitted information in support of its Petition for Certification
related to the value of the facility, but the Commission has not relied upon any
comparisons of investment per facility value analyses in coming to this decision in light
of the rejection of this type of analysis in the Covanta Decision.

7

Order…

Docket No. 2012-00081

breaker and installation of a solid state exciter and protective relay, standing alone without
association with a turbine replacement, is a sufficient basis for a finding of refurbishment.
There is insufficient evidence in this record to make such a finding.
In Mini-Watt’s reply comments to Commission Staff’s recommended
decision, Mini-Watt states that T1 and T2 have been refurbished, but that much of the
investment occurred before September 1, 2005. However, the certification requirement
clearly states that a new renewable resource means a facility that has been “refurbished
after September 1, 2005 …” and therefore we do not consider investments that occurred
before that date. Chapter 311, § 3(B)(3)(d).
We find that there is a sufficient legal basis in both the renewable
portfolio statute and rule for certifying a portion of a renewable generation facility as a new
renewable resource while excluding other parts of the facility. The Commission’s Order
adopting Chapter 311 contains language that contemplates that the entire facility may not
be certified as a refurbishment. Specifically, the Chapter 311 Order states that:
“We note that the Legislature specifically included vintage
categories that allow the incremental energy of a facility
constructed prior to September 2005 to qualify if that energy comes
from capacity added or refurbished after September 1, 2005.”
Chapter 311 Order at page 7 (emphasis added).
Maine Public Utilities Commission Amendments to Portfolio Requirement Rule (Chapter
311), Docket No. 2007-391, Order Adopting Rule and Statement of Actual and Policy
Basis at 7 (Oct. 22, 2008) (emphasis added).
This language conveys that only the portion of the generation facility
or renewable resource that is refurbished after the September 1, 2005 date is eligible for
certification as the new renewable resource, rather than the entire renewable generation
facility.
2.

Operation Beyond the Facility’s Previous Useful Life

To be certified as a new renewable resource the resource must be
“operating beyond its previous useful life.” Mini-Watt states in their petition that while the
dam may have an expected useful life of 100 years, the equipment has a useful life of 25
years. Although we do not necessarily accept Mini-Watt’s representations regarding the
expected useful life of the Facility or the equipment, we find it reasonably likely that the T3
turbine is operating beyond its previous useful life given that the new T3 turbine replaced a
turbine that was put in service nearly 70 years ago. While T1 and T2 are also of a similar
vintage and therefore presumably also operating beyond their previous useful lives, as
discussed above, it is not clear they have not been refurbished.

8

Order…

C.

Docket No. 2012-00081

Conclusion

For these reasons, we approve certification of only the output from the 160
kW T3 Mini-Watt hydroelectric facility as a Class I new renewable resource eligible to
satisfy Maine’s new renewable resource portfolio requirement pursuant to Chapter 311,
§ 3(B)(3)(d) of the Commission rules. The metering of the output by the 160 kW T3
must be in compliance with GIS NEPOOL Rules, which may include the need for a 3rd
party meter reader.
While we deny certification of the output of T1 and T2 as a Class I new
renewable resource based upon the evidence before us, our decision is without
prejudice and shall not preclude Mini-Watt from submitting a petition for certification of
T1 and T2 under another vintage prong, nor does this decision preclude Mini-Watt from
submitting a petition for certification under the refurbishment vintage prong provided that
Mini-Watt includes in its petition additional information that was not submitted previously
that supports a finding of refurbishment of T1 and T2. This additional information, for
instance, may take the form of more explicit details of the exact expenditures spent on
T1 and T2 and how those investments renovated, reequipped or restored the renewable
capacity resource.

Accordingly, we
ORDER
1. That the output of the 160 kW T3 be certified as a Maine Class I new renewable
resource;
2. That the output of T3 be metered in compliance with GIS NEPOOL Rules, which
may include the need for a 3rd party meter reader;
3. That the output of the 175 kW T1 and 120 kW T2 be denied certification as a
Maine Class I new renewable resource without prejudice to future petition under
another certification prong or the supply of additional information that clarifies the
investments into T1 and T2 in support of Mini-Watt’s position that those turbines
have been refurbished.
Dated at Hallowell, Maine, this 25th day of September, 2012.
BY ORDER OF THE COMMISSION
/s/ Karen Geraghty
Karen Geraghty
Administrative Director

9

Order…

COMMISSIONERS VOTING FOR:

Docket No. 2012-00081

Welch
Littell
Vannoy

NOTICE OF RIGHTS TO REVIEW OR APPEAL
5 M.R.S.A. § 9061 requires the Public Utilities Commission to give each party to
an adjudicatory proceeding written notice of the party's rights to review or appeal of its
decision made at the conclusion of the adjudicatory proceeding. The methods of review
or appeal of PUC decisions at the conclusion of an adjudicatory proceeding are as
follows:
1.
Reconsideration of the Commission's Order may be requested under
Section 1004 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (65-407
C.M.R.110) within 20 days of the date of the Order by filing a petition with the
Commission stating the grounds upon which reconsideration is sought.
2.
Appeal of a final decision of the Commission may be taken to the Law
Court by filing, within 21 days of the date of the Order, a Notice of Appeal with
the Administrative Director of the Commission, pursuant to 35-A M.R.S.A. §
1320(1)-(4) and the Maine Rules of Appellate Procedure.
3.
Additional court review of constitutional issues or issues involving the
justness or reasonableness of rates may be had by the filing of an appeal with
the Law Court, pursuant to 35-A M.R.S.A. § 1320(5).
Note: The attachment of this Notice to a document does not indicate the Commission's
view that the particular document may be subject to review or appeal. Similarly,
the failure of the Commission to attach a copy of this Notice to a document does
not indicate the Commission's view that the document is not subject to review or
appeal.

STATE OF MAINE
PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

Docket No. 2012-00081
October 15, 2012

MINI-WATT HYDROELECTRIC LLC
PROCEDURAL ORDER
Certification Compliance for RPS Eligibility
________________________________________________________________________
On September 25, 2012, the Commission certified the output of Mini-Watt
Hydroelectric’s (“Mini-Watt”) 160 kW turbine generator 3 (“T3”) located in Orange,
Massachusetts as a Maine Class I renewable resource. The Commission declined to
certify Mini-Watt’s T1 and T2 turbine generators as Class I renewable resources.
While T3 has a utility grade meter, for purposes of metering the generation
output from the Mini-Watt facility to report to ISO New England, Inc. (“ISO-NE”), the
output of turbine generator 1 (“T1”) is reported under MSS generator #854 as Orange
#1, while the combined output of turbine generator 2 (“T2”) and T3 is reported under
MSS generator #855 as Orange #2. This information is conveyed to ISO-NE, which in
turn conveys it directly to NYSE Blue (formerly APX, Inc.), the operator of the NEPOOL
Generation Information System (“GIS”). As T3 is not separately metered as an MSS
generator, NYSE Blue requires Commission approval of the meter data output from T3
in order to register renewable energy credits (“RECs”) in the NEPOOL GIS.
Accordingly, the Commission orders Mini-Watt to implement the following
compliance approval process for the Class I certified output of T3:




Mini-Watt shall file quarterly reports with the Commission that
include the monthly generation data from T3 and the percentage
calculation that should be applied to the total MSS generator #855
(Orange #2) metered quarterly generation output for the purposes
of determining the quantity of T3 Maine Class I certified output
generated for the quarter. The generation data and calculation of
the percentage will be confidential subject to the Protective Order
on this matter to be issued in this case.
With exception for the second quarter of 2012, each quarterly
report shall be filed at least 30 days prior to the date on which
approval of the quarterly REC generation is due.

The generation data and calculated percentage will be considered
approved by the Commission, unless, within 25 days after the quarterly report is
filed, the Commission Staff issues a procedural order indicating that the
Commission seeks to further investigate or challenge the information contained
in the filing.

Procedural Order . . . .

-2-

Docket No. 2012-00081

This quarterly reporting will continue until such time that 1) T3 becomes a
separately metered resource on the ISO-NE system, 2) T2 becomes certified as a
Maine Class I renewable resource, or 3) there is another material change to the MiniWatt facility or to the NEPOOL GIS reporting process that renders this quarterly
reporting unnecessary.

BY ORDER OF THE PRESIDING OFFICER

__________________________
Sarah B. Tracy

Grantee: Mini-Watt Hydroelectric LLC
Project Name: Mini-Watt Hydroelectric Improvements
Milestone 1 – Section 2 Photos of site conditions before project start

Turbine T3 in background

Turbine T3, governor and wicket gate operator
Page 1 of 1

MINI-WATT HYDROELECTRIC IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
Small Hydropower Initiative

Hydropower Project Assistance
Date: May 2010

PROGRESS PHOTOS

Prepared For:
Wholesale Generation Project Assistance Solicitation
(Solicitation No. 2008-SHI-02)
Massachusetts Technology Collaborative
Innovation Center
73 North Drive
Westborough, MA 01581-3340

Submitted By:
Mini-Watt Hydroelectric LLC
480 Hampden Street, P.O. Box 867
Holyoke, MA 01041-0867

Page 1 of 12

Draft Tube 1 (concrete embed) Delivery to Shop

Draft Tube 2 (extension) Delivery to Shop
Page 2 of 12

Roof Removal

Page 3 of 12

Generator Removal

Page 4 of 12

Turbine Removal

Page 5 of 12

Generator Foundation Removal

Generator Foundation Removed
Page 6 of 12

Slab Removal

Finished Opening after Slab Removal
Page 7 of 12

New Turbine Delivery to Shop

Draft Tube 1 (concrete embed) Installed
Page 8 of 12

New Turbine Installation at Site

New Turbine Set in place
Page 9 of 12

Turbine Installation

Draft Tube 2 (extension) Installation by Divers
Page 10 of 12

Generator Installation

Photo of Complete Installation
Page 11 of 12

Photo of Complete Installation

Page 12 of 12



---

Source Exif Data:

File Type                       : PDF
File Type Extension             : pdf
MIME Type                       : application/pdf
PDF Version                     : 1.6
Linearized                      : Yes
Create Date                     : 2013:06:11 13:54:14-04:00
Creator                         : RICOH Aficio MP 4002
Modify Date                     : 2013:06:17 15:04:41-04:00
Has XFA                         : No
XMP Toolkit                     : Adobe XMP Core 4.2.1-c041 52.342996, 2008/05/07-20:48:00
Creator Tool                    : RICOH Aficio MP 4002
Metadata Date                   : 2013:06:17 15:04:41-04:00
Producer                        : RICOH Aficio MP 4002
Format                          : application/pdf
Document ID                     : uuid:70a06e49-ddaa-4925-95a4-a78e3d3896b4
Instance ID                     : uuid:818a116e-74ff-4b60-97bd-e9a83d809d9a
Page Count                      : 77

EXIF Metadata provided by EXIF.tools