2015-12603. Pacific Gas and Electric Company; Notice of Application Accepted for Filing, Soliciting Comments, Motions To Intervene, and Protests

Take notice that the following hydroelectric application has been filed with the Commission and is available for public inspection:

a. Type of Application: Application for Temporary Variance of Minimum Flow Requirements.

b. Project Nos.: 175-028 and 1988-086.

c. Date Filed: May 12, 2015.

d. Applicant: Pacific Gas and Electric Company (licensee).

e. Name of Projects: Balch and Haas-Kings River.

f. Location: North Fork Kings River in Fresno County, California.

g. Filed Pursuant to: Federal Power Act, 16 U.S.C. 791(a)-825(r).

h. Applicant Contact: Mr. Jaime Hoffman, License Coordinator, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Mail Code: N13E, P.O. Box 770000, San Francisco, CA 94177, Phone: [phone].

i. FERC Contact: Mr. John Aedo, [phone], or [e-mail].

j. Deadline for filing comments, motions to intervene, protests, and recommendations is 15 days from the issuance date of this notice by the Commission (June 3, 2015). The Commission strongly encourages electronic filing. Please file motions to intervene, protests, comments, or recommendations using the Commission's eFiling system at http://www.ferc.gov/​docs-filing/​efiling.asp. Commenters can submit brief comments up to 6,000 characters, without prior registration, using the eComment system at http://www.ferc.gov/​docs-filing/​ecomment.asp. You must include your name and contact information at the end of your comments. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at [e-mail], [phone] (toll free), or [phone] (TTY). In lieu of electronic filing, please send a paper copy to: Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426. Please include the project numbers (P-175-028 and 1988-086) on any comments, motions to intervene, protests, or recommendations filed.

k. Description of Request: The licensee requests a temporary variance of the minimum flow requirements in Helms Creek, North Fork Kings River and Dinkey Creek from June 1 to December 31, 2015. The licensee requests Commission approval to adjust the instantaneous minimum flow requirement to a 24-hour average flow regime. The licensee also proposes to maintain minimum flows, such that the instantaneous requirement is decreased: From 4 to 3 cfs in Helms Creek below Courtright Dam (gage KI-17) from June 1 to November 30; from 2.5 to 2 cubic feet per second (cfs) in Helms Creek below Courtright Dam; from 15 to 10 cfs in the North Fork Kings River below Wishon Dam (gage KI-27); from 15 to 10 cfs in the Dinkey Creek Siphon at Balch (gage KI-31); from 2.5 to 2 cfs in the North Fork Kings River below Balch Diversion Dam (gage KI-9); from 10 to 7 cfs in the North Fork Kings River above Dinkey Creek (gage KI-21); and from 25 to 17 cfs in the North Fork Kings River below Dinkey Creek (gage KI-22). The licensee states that the flow reductions are necessary due to the ongoing drought conditions and historic low snowpack levels this year.

l. Locations of the Application: A copy of the application is available for inspection and reproduction at the Commission's Public Reference Room, located at 888 First Street NE., Room 2A, Washington, DC 20426, or by calling [phone]. This filing may also be viewed on the Commission's Web site at http://www.ferc.gov/​docs-filing/​elibrary.asp. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field to access the document. You may also register online at http://www.ferc.gov/​docs-filing/​esubscription.asp to be notified via email of new filings and issuances related to this or other pending projects. For assistance, call 1-866-208-3676 or email [e-mail], for TTY, call [phone]. A copy is also available for inspection and reproduction at the address in item (h) above.

m. Individuals desiring to be included on the Commission's mailing list should so indicate by writing to the Secretary of the Commission.

n. Comments, Protests, or Motions to Intervene: Anyone may submit comments, a protest, or a motion to intervene in accordance with the requirements of Rules of Practice and Procedure, 18 CFR 385.210, .211, .214. In determining the appropriate action to take, the Commission will consider all protests or other comments filed, but only those who file a motion to intervene in accordance with the Commission's Rules may become a party to the proceeding. Any comments, protests, or motions to intervene must be received on or before the specified comment date for the particular application.

o. Filing and Service of Responsive Documents: Any filing must (1) bear in all capital letters the title “COMMENTS”, “PROTEST”, or “MOTION TO INTERVENE” as applicable; (2) set forth in the heading the name of the applicant and the project number of the application to which the filing responds; (3) furnish the name, address, and telephone number of the person protesting or intervening; and (4) otherwise comply with the requirements of 18 CFR 385.2001 through 385.2005. All comments, motions to intervene, or protests must set forth their evidentiary basis and otherwise comply with the requirements of 18 CFR 4.34(b). All comments, motions to intervene, or protests should relate to project works which are the subject of proposed action. Agencies may obtain copies of the application directly from the applicant. A copy of any protest or motion to intervene must be served upon each representative of the applicant specified in the particular application. If an intervener files comments or documents with the Commission relating to the merits of an issue that may affect the responsibilities of a particular resource agency, they must also serve a copy of the document on that resource agency. A copy of all other filings in reference to this application must be accompanied by proof of service on all persons listed in the service list prepared by the Commission in this proceeding, in accordance with 18 CFR 4.34(b) and 385.2010.

Dated: May 19, 2015.

Kimberly D. Bose,

Secretary.