HEA-23-0003 - In the Matter of El Dorado Irrigation District

On August 25, 2023, the Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) denied an Appeal from the Department of Energy's (DOE) determination under the hydroelectric incentive payments program authorized by Section 242 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. In the Appeal, filed by the El Dorado Irrigation District (District), the Appellant challenged DOE's denial of its applications for incentive payments for the 2021 and 2022 calendar years. DOE denied the incentive payments on the basis that the District did not demonstrate that it met the definition of a "qualified hydroelectric facility" as defined by DOE's Guidance Document. After review, OHA agreed with DOE's determination and found that the District was not entitled to incentive payments. Accordingly, OHA denied the Appeal. (OHA Case No. HEA-23-0003, Quintana)