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Hydro

We devote great effort to preserving the environment by mindfully managing its water resources. We are one of the largest water managers in the state, with 11 company-owned lakes and 14 hydroelectric plants that produce emission-free electricity. The company's reservoirs contain some 157,000 acres of water and 4,000 miles of shoreline. The careful management of these resources helps provide drinking water, recreation and wildlife and fish habitat.

How Clean Water Comes Out of Plants

Water discharges from our generating facilities meet all local, state and federal regulations for water quality standards before returning to rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Water treatment systems assure all discharges are protecting these water bodies and that the quality of water is maintained to support a healthy aquatic community and drinking water system.

Volume of Water Used

Water is a vital component for electricity generation. We depend on a large quantity of water to create power and cool our plants. About half of the water withdrawn nationally is for thermoelectric power production. However, it is equally important to know that approximately 95 percent of that water goes back into the river or lake and is available for downstream uses.

Hydro Relicensing

We operate 14 hydroelectric facilities and 11 reservoirs on the Coosa, Tallapoosa and Warrior river systems that can produce more than 1,600 megawatts and average around 6 percent of the company’s annual electric generation. These projects are operated under licenses issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Our operating licenses for our projects are issued for a period ranging from 30-50 years and must be renewed for the company to continue operating its existing hydroelectric developments. As part of the relicensing process, we host a number of public meetings with stakeholders – ranging from citizen groups, Indian tribes and non-governmental organizations to local, state and federal agencies – to address the multiple uses of these hydro projects – power generation, natural resources, recreation and aesthetics.

Learn more about FERC and hydro licensing at www.ferc.gov.

Lakes on the Warrior River Map - Hydro Relicensing
Lakes on the Coosa River and Tallapoosa River Systems Map - Hydro Relicensing
Shorelines Management

Shorelines Management

Discover more about what our lakes have to offer and how we manage and protect our shorelines.

Dive Deeper