Idaho Falls Power continues to make Strides on Relicensing Efforts

June 26, 2025

If you're out enjoying the Snake River near Idaho Falls, you might spot some new faces but don’t be alarmed. Idaho Falls Power interns are busy conducting surveys and gathering important data on river usage and other environmental factors.

Idaho Falls Power owns and operates two hydroelectric projects on the Snake River. Every 40 years, we're required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to renew our licenses for these projects. This relicensing process involves comprehensive studies to assess the impacts of our dam operations.

“FERC uses this information for their National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis,” explains Richard Malloy, Regulatory Compliance Manager. “The new licenses will determine our operating parameters for the next four decades, so accurate data is incredibly important.”

These studies cover a range of critical areas, including:

• Cultural Assessments: Examining historical, archaeological, or cultural impacts on affected lands.
• Fish and Aquatic Life: Studying the river's ecosystems.
• Socio-economic Impacts: Understanding the broader community effects.
• Vegetation: Analyzing plant life around the projects.
• Water Quality: Monitoring the health of the river's water.
• Recreational Use: Assessing how people enjoy the river.

You can find our recently released Idaho Falls and Gem State Initial Study Report online at http://bit.ly/449J5kE. For more details about the relicensing project, its timeline, and associated documents, visit https://www.ifpower.org/about-us/relicensing/relicensing-project-overview/.