The existing turbine runners have been worn to a condition beyond reasonable repair after 50 years of service. Turbine runners drive generators when they are spun by flowing water. The hydropower plant, which is part of the Central Valley Project, can generate up to 140 megawatts. A megawatt is enough to supply nearly 1,000 homes.

Reclamation's contract with Alstom Power Incorporated, awarded March 5, 2012, includes developing and fabricating an improved turbine runner design to ensure the facility's ability to provide cost-effective, non-polluting hydroelectricity. Work to install two new turbine runners will occur during operational outages in the winters of 2013-14 and 2014-15.

For more information about this project, please contact Steven Melavic, Reclamation, Central Valley Operations Office, at 916-979-3008 (TTY 700-450-6000), or e-mail smelavic@usbr.gov.