Georgetown Hydro

Location: Located in historic Georgetown, Colorado.

Plant Description: Georgetown is a hydro-electric generating station.

Power Production Capabilities: The plant has two generators capable of producing a total of 1.2 MW of electricity.

Fuel Source: Water is stored and then released from the Georgetown Forebay.  Additional water is stored and released from Clear Lake Reservoir.

Plant History: Georgetown Hydro began operating in 1906. The plant is normally operated as a run-of-the-river hydro plant. For most of the year, both generators are operated at less than full capacity, with generation being a function of available stream flow. However, for about three months of the year, the plant operates at full capacity with excess water spilling over the forebay dam.

Interesting Features: The plant is controlled remotely by operators located at Cabin Creek Hydro, about five miles south of Georgetown. The operators adjust plant output in response to high or low water readings.

Environmental Highlights: With water as its only fuel, Georgetown Hydro has no air, land or water emissions.

Community Involvement:  The plant is open to the public as the Georgetown Energy Museum, containing many interesting artifacts from the electric industry and is available for tours given by the on-site museum director.

Contact Information:

• Plant Information and Tour Requests — 1-800-895-4999
• Media Inquiries — 303-294-2300