THE GCPSP AT A GLANCE
How It Works
- Renewable energy such as wind or solar is used to pump water uphill during times of low customer usage
- When electrical usage increases, or wind/solar production drops, water is released and runs downhill from the upper reservoir
- Water runs through the turbine, generating electricity
- Combining pumped storage hydro with intermittent renewable resources results in clean, dependable power supply.
BE PART OF THE PROCESS
OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS
CURRENT
9/22/2022
FERC project scoping meeting (Virtual) - open to public
9/22/22 - 10/26/22
Public opportunity to comment on PAD
1/5/2023
Public meeting on proposed studies hosted by MRES and MidAmerican
1/5/23 to 3/10/23
Public opportunity to comment on Proposed Study Plan
5/23/24 and 5/23/25
Public meetings on Initial Study Reports
Future
May 2024 to July 2024
May 2025 to July 2025
Public opportunity to comment on study results
Oct. 2025 to Dec. 2025
Public opportunity to comment on the Draft License Application
Feb. 2026 to March 2026
Decision by utilities whether to move forward with the project
OUR REGION’S GO-TO SOLUTION
Reliability
Pumped storage hydroelectricity is designed to supplement other renewable energy sources providing electric reliability to all customers across our region.
FOR A CLEANER, BRIGHTER FUTURE
RESPONSIBILITY
When used in conjunction with wind and solar power, the GCPSP acts as nature’s battery to offer a clean energy solution for our region.
STRENGTHENING ALL OF OUR COMMUNITIES
Regional Benefits
When built and fully operational, the GCPSP will deliver more than just energy to residents and communities throughout the region.
Jobs
The six-year project will create a variety of temporary job opportunities in the region; when completed, it will directly support 15 permanent FTE positions.
ECONOMIC GROWTH
Job opportunities will bring new residents to the region who will in turn spend money at local businesses and spur economic growth.
TAX REVENUE
Economic growth in the region will translate to increased tax revenue to support local schools, municipal projects and more.
CLEANER ENVIRONMENT
This regional project strengthens our efforts to be good stewards of the environment, preserving natural resources for future generations and decreasing dependence on fossil fuels.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Oct. 26, 2022: Last day to provide comments on the Pre-Application Document (PAD) and suggested study requests.
- Scoping Document
- Notice of Intent to File License Application, Filing of Pre-Application Document (PAD), Commencement of ILP Pre-Filing Process, and Scoping; Request for Comments on the PAD and Scoping Document, and Identification of Issues and Associated Study Requests
- GCPSP Overview For Scoping Meeting
Frequently Asked Questions
If built, GCPSP would use wind and solar power to pump water from the Missouri River/Lake Francis Case reservoir into a newly constructed upper reservoir. Then, when needed, the water in the upper reservoir is released and used to operate the hydroelectric generation units to produce energy. GCPSP acts as a large “battery” – and when used in conjunction with wind and solar generation, enables a clean and reliable energy solution for our region.
Cover Letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Gregory County Pumped Storage Project Notice of Intent
A Pre-Application Document (PAD) is a requirement of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The purpose of the PAD is to provide detailed information about a project that is in the applicant's possession or that the applicant can obtain with the exercise of due diligence. The Gregory County Pumped Storage Project's PAD includes detailed descriptions of the proposed facilities, operations, license requirements, environmental resources and impacts, project lands, water resources, fish and aquatic resources, terrestrial and wildlife resources, rare, threatened and endangered species, recreation and land use, cultural resources and socioeconomic resources. It also includes a preliminary list of proposed studies to be conducted during the study period.
On June 28, 2022, Missouri River Energy Services, as agent for Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (WMMPA) filed its Notice of Intent to File a License Application (NOI) and the Pre-Application Document (PAD) for the Project with FERC. The filing of the NOI and PAD officially initiates FERC’s licensing process.
Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (WMMPA) currently holds a Preliminary Permit with FERC to study the feasibility of constructing GCPSP (FERC No. 14876). The proposed project is located along the Missouri River on Lake Francis Case in south-central South Dakota in Gregory County and includes a transmission line running from the project site approximately 22 miles east in Charles Mix County.
In accordance with FERC's regulations, WMMPA is providing notification of this filing to appropriate federal and state agencies, Native American tribes, local governments, non-governmental organizations, and landowners that may have an interest in the Project. A copy of the PAD can be retrieved by visiting FERC’s eLibrary (https://elibrary.ferc.gov/eLibrary/search) and searching for docket number P-14876, or through this link:
Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) and MidAmerican Energy are working together to study the Gregory County Pumped Storage Project.
MRES is a joint action agency that provides electricity and other energy-related services to 61 municipal electric utilities in four states. We serve 18 municipal electric utilities in Iowa, 25 in Minnesota, 6 in North Dakota and 12 in South Dakota. Each of these members owns and operates its own municipal electric distribution system.
MidAmerican Energy, headquartered in Des Moines, is a rate-regulated utility that provides reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible energy to 1.6 million customers in Iowa, Illinois, South Dakota and Nebraska.
Learn more about MRES and MidAmerican Energy
Do you have questions or comments about Gregory County Pumped Storage Project? We're happy to answer them!
Email GregoryCountyInfo@mrenergy.com or call 605-338-4042 and ask for Joni Livingston. Please keep in mind that our office is open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Contact US
SHARED COMMITMENT TO THE REGION
PARTNERING FOR A STRONGER ENERGY FUTURE
Missouri River Energy Services
MRES is a joint action agency that provides electricity and other energy-related services to 61 municipal electric utilities in four states. We serve 18 municipal electric utilities in Iowa, 25 in Minnesota, 6 in North Dakota and 12 in South Dakota. Each of these members owns and operates its own municipal electric distribution system.
Midamerican Energy Company
MidAmerican Energy, headquartered in Des Moines, is a rate-regulated utility that provides reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible energy to 1.6 million customers in Iowa, Illinois, South Dakota and Nebraska.
