What you should know as a FERC hydropower licensing participant

Establish your role. Be prepared to articulate and advocate for what you would like to see in a final license for this project, and do so in a positive manner. Addressing licensing issues can be stressful at times, and it is important to avoid making things personal to be positive in your approach and interactions.

Build relationships. You will be working with this group for years and developing positive relationships is important. There will likely be people around the table with positions opposite of yours and being able to communicate and move forward to resolution depends on the trust that comes from taking the time to build relationships with licensing participants including the project applicant.

Find a mentor. Everyone around the table was once new to this process and faced the same challenges that you may be facing. As you get to know the other people involved in your licensing process and begin building relationships, seek counsel with those who you “connect” with and benefit from their knowledge and experience.

Prepare to negotiate. If the goal of your relicensing group is a settlement agreement, you must be willing to compromise. Be flexible and entertain different concepts yet do not be afraid to articulate issues that are a must for you.

Apply your project management skills. Familiarity with organizing and planning are fundamental and critical. Encourage your fellow practitioners to apply their knowledge and skills to the processes and project objectives.

Hone your writing, verbal and communication skills. Articulate thoughts and express ideas effectively using oral, written and non-verbal communication skills (to inform, instruct, and persuade), to multiple audiences, as well as to listen for meaning and understanding. Utilize social media and informal networks that will reach, inform, and engage your audience and constituents most effectively.

Pace yourself. Hydropower licensing takes years to complete. Five years is an ambitious timeframe for completing the process – it often takes much longer. Utilize available time to familiarize yourself with the process, the nature of the project, and the issues involved with this particular licensing process.