Overview
Cedar Falls (WI) is a 6 MW hydroelectric power plant in Wisconsin, USA, operated by Northern States Power Co - Minnesota. It generates renewable electricity from hydropower.
Cedar Falls (WI) is a hydroelectric power plant located in Wisconsin, United States, with a generating capacity of 6 megawatts. The facility is owned by Northern States Power Co - Minnesota and is currently operational, contributing to the regional power grid with renewable energy. As a small-scale hydroelectric facility, Cedar Falls (WI) utilizes the flow of water to generate electricity without direct fuel combustion. In the United States, hydroelectric plants are regulated under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing framework, which includes environmental protections for water resources and aquatic habitats. The plant's capacity places it in the small-scale category for hydroelectric power generation. The plant supports local renewable energy goals and provides clean electricity to the surrounding area. Its operation aligns with broader efforts to diversify the energy mix and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The facility's location in Wisconsin contributes to the state's hydropower capacity, which is part of the larger regional energy infrastructure.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation has a low carbon footprint but can affect local aquatic ecosystems through changes in water flow and fish passage. The Cedar Falls (WI) plant, with a capacity of 6 MW, is relatively small and likely has a limited environmental impact. Its operation is subject to FERC licensing conditions that may include measures to protect fish and wildlife, such as minimum flow requirements or fish ladders.
Frequently asked questions
Cedar Falls (WI) is located in Wisconsin, United States, at coordinates 44.936700, -91.888300.
The Cedar Falls (WI) hydroelectric plant has a generating capacity of 6 megawatts.
The plant is owned by Northern States Power Co - Minnesota.
Hydroelectric plants in the US are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) under the Federal Power Act, which includes licensing requirements for environmental protection, water use, and dam safety.
Hydroelectric power is renewable and low in carbon emissions, but it can alter river ecosystems, affect fish migration, and change water quality. FERC licensing often includes mitigation measures such as fish ladders and minimum flow requirements.