Reclamation Hydroelectric Development Act of 1982

Summary

Reclamation Hydroelectric Development Act of 1982 - Title I: Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) to contract with non-Federal entities for the development of hydroelectric projects in order to provide additional hydroelectric power to the Federal Power Marketing Administrations. Prohibits the issuance of licenses or permits under the Federal Power Act if existing reclamation project facilities may be advantageously used to provide hydroelectric power to preference customers. Exempts non-Federal entities designated by the Secretary from permitting and licensing requirements under the Federal Power Act. Provides that such contracts shall be granted on a competitive negotiations basis. Requires, under such contracts, that: (1) the designated hydroelectric and transmission sites, improvements, and falling water privileges be ground leased to the non-Federal entities for a term not longer than 40 years at a negotiated sum; (2) the non-Federal entity assume all risk in the development process and retain title to improvements for a term up to 40 years, at the end of which title will be transferred to the Secretary; and (3) hydroelectric energy generated under this program be delivered to the Secretary of Energy for distribution and marketing by the Federal Power Marketing Administrations. Subjects construction design of hydroelectric powerplants developed under this Act to the Secretary's approval. Permits the non-Federal entities access to designated hydroelectric powerplant sites for preconstruction activities. Makes the Secretary responsible for the operation and maintenance of the powerplants under an annually adjusted allowance budget. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to purchase replacement capacity, energy, or both in order to maintain deliveries to customers during unit outages resulting from construction of the powerplant and transmission facilities pursuant to this title. Requires that powerplants developed under this title be compatible with valid existing water rights and with valid water service contracts. Requires the Secretary to designate existing reclamation project sites suitable for development pursuant to this title within six months after enactment of this Act. Title II: Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to collect a surcharge of up to one mill per kilowatt-hour on electric energy generated by Federal hydroelectric power facilities and delivered to the Federal Power Marketing Administrations for transmission and sale. Requires that the surcharges be placed in the Reclamation Hydropower Fund in the Treasury and be available for the establishment and operation of hydroelectric facilities authorized at existing Bureau of Reclamation projects. Requires that hydroelectric generating facilities constructed by the Secretary under this title be compatible with valid existing water rights and with valid water service contracts. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to: (1) construct and operate any transmission facilities required to connect the hydroelectric powerplants developed under this title to existing power systems and to accomplish distribution and marketing of power; and (2) purchase replacement capacity or energy or both in order to maintain deliveries to customers during unit outages. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title.

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1 official file

• Introduced in Senate

  summary · EN · 5 August 1982

  Open at official source

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