Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Project No. 2735

Helms Hydroelectric Project: P-2735

Lake Wishon Lake Wishon
(Image courtesy of PG&E’s Project Relicensing Website)

Applicant: Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E)
Counties: Fresno and Madera
FERC License Expiration Date: April 30, 2026
Water Quality Certification Status: Awaiting Application
Waterbodies: Helms Creek, Courtright Lake, North Fork Kings River, and Lake Wishon
FERC Licensing Process: Relicensing


Project Description

The Helms Hydroelectric Project (Project) is a pumped storage project that transfers water to and from Courtright Lake and Lake Wishon, and is located approximately 55 miles northeast of the City of Fresno. The Project includes Courtright Intake-Discharge Structure (89 feet wide by 58.5 feet high) and Wishon Intake-Discharge Structure (78 feet wide by 51 feet high). In pumping mode, water is diverted from Lake Wishon and pumped into Courtright Lake.  In generating mode, water is diverted from Courtright Lake via a series of tunnels and penstocks to the Helms Powerhouse, which has a generating capacity of 1,080-megawatts, and discharged into Lake Wishon.  Releases from Courtright Lake and Lake Wishon are managed as part of the Haas-Kings Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 1988).

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

Related Documents

FERC Relicensing