The 60,705ha hydro scheme is located on Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie. FERC wants the study to identify ‘reasonable alternatives’ to deal with the effects of the US$15B project.

Santee Cooper is reportedly confident that the federal group will be happy with the results of a study and that the 30-year license will be renewed.

The lakes are home to two hydro power plants, along with 66km of dams and dikes. The system generates about 1% of Santee Cooper’s electricity production.