The Essex Partnership provided technical and process support for the  certification of several hydropower projects with the Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI) and State Public Utility Control Commissions (PUC). LIHI certification is an eligibility requirement to participate in Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) markets in many states. Essex quantified incremental generation gains resulting from qualifying upgrades and supported the demonstration of these improvements with multiple State PUC’s for participation in the REC market. The result was the creation of new environmental attribute revenue streams (REC’s) and “green” branding (LIHI certification) for each project.