Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Project No. 175

Balch Hydroelectric Project

Black Rock Reservoir Black Rock Reservoir and Balch Diversion Dam
Image courtesy of PG&E’s Project Relicensing Website

Applicant: Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E)
County: Fresno
FERC License Expiration Date: April 30, 2026
Water Quality Certification Status:  Awaiting Application
Waterbody: North Fork Kings River
FERC Licensing Process: Relicensing


Project Description

The Balch Hydroelectric Project (Project) is located on the North Fork Kings River in Fresno County, approximately 45 miles northeast of the City of Fresno. The Project includes Balch Diversion Dam (a 135-feet high concrete arch dam) and its associated reservoir, Black Rock Reservoir (967 usable acre-feet). Water released from, or spilled over, Black Rock Reservoir flows approximately 5 miles to Balch Afterbay Dam (a 165-feet high concrete arch dam) and its associated reservoir, Balch Afterbay (135 usable acre-feet). At Black Rock Reservoir, a portion of the water is diverted via a series of tunnels and penstocks to the Bach Nos. 1 and 2 powerhouses, with a combined generating capacity of 131.52-megawatts which discharge into Balch Afterbay. Water in Balch Afterbay is either diverted to the FERC Project No. 1988 Kings River Powerhouse or continues down the North Fork Kings River to Pine Flat Reservoir.

Additional information can be found on PG&E’s relicensing website: https://balchrelicensing.com/

Related Documents

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)

FERC Relicensing