Lake Levels 3 26 18 Lake Keowee 98.7 lake Jocassee 96.9 – Want to get the latest information as to the Lake Levels for Lake Koewee and Jocassee as well as the historic levels? Follow this link to the Duke Energy Current Lake Levels site: Lake Keowee, Jocassee and Bad Creek current lake levels  The really good thing about Lake Keowee and its level is that it is highly controlled. Duke Energy has received approval to continue operation of its Keowee-Toxaway Hydroelectric Project as part of this they are making adjustments to Lake Level minimums. In 2019 moving forward Lake Keowee will remain at a higher level during normal conditions. Previously the low was 775 feet above see level now it will remain between 790 and 800 feet.  In our 30 years of selling property on Lake Keowee we can’t remember a time the level as been below 794 feet. From our understanding of the new rules it would take extreme drought conditions to get to the 790 foot number.

As part of this change Duke released the following announcement regarding property owners ability to extend there docks into deeper water, ”

SENECA, S.C. – Eligible property owners on Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee have until Dec. 31, 2020, to apply for dock modifications to reach deeper water.

The program allows dock owners to proactively make permanent modifications to ensure a dock’s usability when lake levels may be lower, such as during an extended drought.

There are no fees to apply during a one-year special period between Jan. 1, 2017, and Dec. 31, 2017.  Applications submitted before Jan. 1, 2017, or after Dec. 31, 2017, will require the permitting fee and Habitat Enhancement Program payment at that time.

Eligibility is based on requirements outlined in Duke Energy’s 2014 Keowee-Toxaway Shoreline Management Plan (SMP). Property owners may qualify for the dock modifications program if they had an existing Duke Energy-approved boat dock by Dec. 1, 2013, or they received a Duke Energy-approved permit between Dec. 1, 2012, and Dec. 1, 2013, and installed the dock prior to the permit expiring. In addition, an eligible dock must meet all other requirements of the SMP.

The program allows qualifying dock owners to add up to 200 square feet to the current maximum size limit for boat docks and reconfigure their dock.

The opportunity is an outcome of the Keowee-Toxaway Relicensing Agreement Duke Energy entered into with stakeholders during the Keowee-Toxaway Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission relicensing process.

The program differs from the “Follow the Water” program, which allows a dock owner to temporarily move a dock during periods of drought.

“During this special period, eligible lake residents may make permanent dock modifications that otherwise may not be allowed,” said Jen Huff, Duke Energy lake services director. “We recognize residents’ concerns about lake access when lake levels are low and encourage them to consider this opportunity for a solution.”

Dock owners must submit an application and receive written approval before work is performed. Applications received outside the fee waiver period for permits to extend docks will be processed, but will have to meet all the typical permitting and fee requirements of the SMP.

The fee waivers apply only to permit applications that are limited to dock modifications required to reach deeper waters; permit applications for other modifications require the fees and payments in place at that time.

Dock owners may contact Duke Energy Lake Services at 800-443-5193 or [email protected] with their questions. Applications are available online at www.duke-energy.com/lakes/LakeServicesApplications.asp.

About Duke Energy Carolinas

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is an S&P 100 Stock Index company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com.

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In our estimation, if you own a waterfront property you should look into extending your dock into deeper water. It certainly has the potential to add value to your property, most especially if the water level drops to 795 level. There are very few properties that would not be affected dramatically by a drop down to 790 feet, but if you property wouldn’t be you are holding the cards if you need to sell during that type of market and wouldn’t you just kick yourself if you could have extended to deeper water and you didn’t and now you can’t sell your property because your dock is on dry land.

Once we heard that news, it took us less than the remainder of the day to get the ball rolling and ultimately get our dock out another 30 plus feet. We suggest you do the same.

For additional information on this subject we suggest you get a copy of the follow the water program packet.

Dock Owner Requirements under Follow-the-Water

• Dock owners shall not push their docks out in a manner that prevents or blocks access to other docks or coves or negatively impacts shoreline classified as protected under Duke Energy’s Shoreline Management Plan.
• Dock owners may moor their boats at dicks belonging to other dock owners if permission is obtained from the dock owner.
• The temporary relocation of docks shall not create public safety hazards, navigational hazards, or other issues.
• No electricity-carrying lines may be run form the shoreline to the dock while following the water.
• Docks must be returned to their permitted location and orientation and all temporary anchor pins removed within 14 calendar days following Duke Energy’s public declaration of returning to the LIP Stage 1,0, or Normal.