1. Lake Elsinore Advanced Pumped Storage
Project Update
October 15, 2017

2. Introducing LEAPS
The most advanced, large-scale pumped hydro storage project in the USA will
Provide 500 megawatts of clean energy
Support variable renewable energy generation in California
Improve water quality in Lake Elsinore
Provide well-paying construction and operations jobs
Contribute to the tax base
Provide reliable electricity to California businesses that employ and/or add value for Valley residents
FERC P-14227

3. The Project: stability and reliability for the grid
Flexible, reliable electricity source supports less reliable renewable sources
500 megawatt pumped storage facility
Generating facility will be underground at foot of Elsinore mountains
Lake Elsinore to provide source water, closed loop through upper reservoir in Decker Canyon
Two reversible pump turbine units pump water to upper reservoir using low-cost off-peak power, and generate power from water flowing downhill at times of high demand
FERC P-14227

4. Why Now? An idea whose time has come
Initially proposed at FERC 15 years ago, ahead of its time
California has committed to an aggressive renewables timetable
40% renewables by 2024, 50% by 2030
Wind and solar need back-up for reliability
When the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine
Natural gas generation is an option, but produces GHGs
LEAPS is “nature’s battery” using potential energy stored in water
Instantaneous back-up for renewables for increased grid reliability
None of the GHG emissions of carbon-based generation
None of the issues of lithium batteries
FERC P-14227

5. Why here?
Very few places have the unique characteristics of water, topography and opportunities for grid interconnection
California needs reliable, environmentally-friendly power to support the grid that benefits all southern California residents
There are accessible connections to the grid both north and south of the proposed Santa Rosa substation
Lake Elsinore needs aeration to address high nitrogen and phosphorous levels and low oxygen; preliminary studies show that LEAPS will improve water quality by circulating the water
Skilled local trades can fill 5 million person-hours of employment during construction
Majority of the project located on Federal lands
FERC P-14227

6. Water (Hydro)
We have commissioned research into water quality/quantity in Lake Elsinore
Work and discussion continue
When these studies are completed, they will be reported to FERC and on the LEAPS website as part of the FERC process
We believe the project will improve water quality and further enable water management in the valley 
Will require a Section 401 water quality permit and will obtain water rights later in the process
FERC P-14227

7. Transmission
Transmission originates at Santa Rosa substation and runs north to the SCE system and south to the SDGE system
Transmission up the mountain will be buried
Towers will be sited and colored to minimize aesthetic impact
Northern transmission corridor
FERC P-14227

8. Environment
FERC issued a final environmental impact statement describing a substantially similar project it could license, but no license was issued 
We have done a significant amount of work to keep our environmental studies and consultation with relevant agencies fresh
FERC process calls for further updates to environmental studies in discussion with other agencies
FERC P-14227

9. Public Outreach
The FERC process considers studies and consultations that have occurred in the past but allows adequate time for public input and questions
FERC prescribes formal communications
mailings, circulation of documents, invitation for suggestions and comments
We are committed to engaging the public and answering questions
We will hold a public open house after the initial FERC 60-day period
FERC will hold a scoping meeting later in the process
FERC P-14227

10. We’re Listening We know our project will impact people
Not everyone will be happy, but we’re committed to minimizing impacts
LEAPS will provide jobs and tax revenues to the Valley
We intend to meet with residents to discuss concerns
Lake Elsinore, Sycamore Creek, Sycamore Hills, Serrano Ridge, Horsethief Canyon Ranch, Lakeland Village and Glen Eden, etc.
We are preparing Photoshopped transmission facilities from various vantage points
Transmission facilities may be less conspicuous than some may think
Our modern lifestyles require energy and transmission
We are committed to minimizing aesthetic impacts
FERC and other agencies will hold us to our commitment
California will benefit
Helps meet renewable generation targets
Reliable electricity for residences and businesses that employ Valley residents
FERC P-14227

11. Why the Waiver?
Nevada Hydro requested waiver of FERC’s pre-filing licensing requirements, allowing it to proceed directly to filing a final license application
Commission staff prepared a Final Environmental Impact Statement in for a substantially similar project proposal (Project No )
Extensive consultation occurred during that proceeding
FERC believes additional issues can be addressed through the post- filing procedures and there will be sufficient opportunity for stakeholders to comment, identify study needs, participate in scoping of issues to be evaluated by FERC in its environmental review, and identify project effects and mitigation needs.
We are now in the post-application process
FERC P-14227

12. Approximate FERC Schedule
Final License Application submitted October 2, 2017
Public notification and outreach October 2 – Fall 2018
Community outreach and partnerships On-going
FERC issues first scoping document Q4 2017
LEAPS open house(s) Early 2018
FERC public scoping meeting Early 2018
Updated EIS 2018
FERC License granted TBD
Completion of legal and financing framework
Commencement of engineering and construction
Commercial operation Potentially Q4 2022
FERC P-14227

13. Next Steps October 2 Final License Application just the beginning
FERC asking for agency confirmation of further studies and information
60-day period to solicit requests for more studies (by December )
FERC review and clarification is a long process
Discussions with agencies, scoping document(s)
Ready for Environmental Analysis notice solicits comments, recommendations
Presentations to elected officials and municipal administrations
Resident outreach
LEAPS website
FERC website
Mailings to affected stakeholders
Final License Application available at Lake Elsinore Branch Library (Graham Avenue), San Juan Capistrano Library, and Oceanside Public Library
FERC P-14227

14. Conclusion
We are committed to an honest and straightforward discussion of the facts supporting this project
The FERC Final License Application is a key source of process and information related to the proposed project
Available for review by all stakeholders on websites and in regional libraries
Going forward, we will be meeting with interested parties, tribes, municipal and state governments and agencies to discuss the project 
There will be time for us to provide additional information and for you to provide input
FERC P-14227

15. Thank you!
Nevadahydro.com