PG&E may decide that it no longer wishes to hold a FERC license because the project is not economical, natural catastrophes have damaged or destroyed project facilities, or for other reasons. In such instances, PG&E must apply to FERC to surrender its license. Licensed projects under FERC jurisdiction cannot be simply abandoned; surrenders must be approved by FERC to ensure public safety and protection of the environment.

License surrenders vary greatly, and the complexity of any individual surrender proceeding is determined by the site-specific conditions at the project and the implications of ending FERC’s jurisdiction. In addition to operating costs, PG&E should consider the environmental effects and the perspective of resource agencies and other stakeholders before filing an application with FERC.