(a) In generalIn determining the term of a new license issued when an existing license under this subchapter expires, the Commission shall take into consideration, among other things—(1) project-related investments by the licensee under the new license; and
(2) project-related investments by the licensee over the term of the existing license.
(b) Equal weightThe determination of the Commission under subsection (a) shall give equal weight to—(1) investments by the licensee to implement the new license under this subchapter, including investments relating to redevelopment, new construction, new capacity, efficiency, modernization, rehabilitation or replacement of major equipment, safety improvements, or environmental, recreation, or other protection, mitigation, or enhancement measures required or authorized by the new license; and
(2) investments by the licensee over the term of the existing license (including any terms under annual licenses) that—(A) resulted in redevelopment, new construction, new capacity, efficiency, modernization, rehabilitation or replacement of major equipment, safety improvements, or environmental, recreation, or other protection, mitigation, or enhancement measures conducted over the term of the existing license; and
(B) were not expressly considered by the Commission as contributing to the length of the existing license term in any order establishing or extending the existing license term.
(c) Commission determinationAt the request of the licensee, the Commission shall make a determination as to whether any planned, ongoing, or completed investment meets the criteria under subsection (b)(2). Any determination under this subsection shall be issued within 60 days following receipt of the licensee’s request. When issuing its determination under this subsection, the Commission shall not assess the incremental number of years that the investment may add to the new license term. All such assessment shall occur only as provided in subsection (a).
Structure US Code
CHAPTER 12— FEDERAL REGULATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF POWER
SUBCHAPTER I— REGULATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF WATER POWER AND RESOURCES
§ 791. Repealed. , title II, § 212,
§ 797. General powers of Commission
§ 797b. Duty to keep Congress fully and currently informed
§ 797c. Dams in National Park System units
§ 797d. Third party contracting by FERC
§ 798. Purpose and scope of preliminary permits; transfer and cancellation
§ 799. License; duration, conditions, revocation, alteration, or surrender
§ 800. Issuance of preliminary permits or licenses
§ 801. Transfer of license; obligations of transferee
§ 802. Information to accompany application for license; landowner notification
§ 803. Conditions of license generally
§ 804. Project works affecting navigable waters; requirements insertable in license
§ 805. Participation by Government in costs of locks, etc.
§ 807. Right of Government to take over project works
§ 808. New licenses and renewals
§ 809. Temporary use by Government of project works for national safety; compensation for use
§ 810. Disposition of charges arising from licenses
§ 811. Operation of navigation facilities; rules and regulations; penalties
§ 813. Power entering into interstate commerce; regulation of rates, charges, etc.
§ 814. Exercise by licensee of power of eminent domain
§ 815. Contract to furnish power extending beyond period of license; obligations of new licensee
§ 816. Preservation of rights vested prior to
§ 818. Public lands included in project; reservation of lands from entry
§ 819. Repealed. , title II, § 212,
§ 820. Proceedings for revocation of license or to prevent violations of license
§ 821. State laws and water rights unaffected
§ 822. Reservation of right to alter or repeal chapter
§ 823. Repeal of inconsistent laws
§ 823a. Conduit hydroelectric facilities
§ 823c. Alaska State jurisdiction over small hydroelectric projects
§ 823d. Alternative conditions and prescriptions
§ 823e. Promoting hydropower development at existing nonpowered dams