Overview
General Electric Great Falls Upper Hydro is a 2.1 MW hydroelectric power plant in the United States, operated by Aclara Meters LLC. The facility is operational and contributes to renewable energy generation.
General Electric Great Falls Upper Hydro is a hydroelectric power plant located in the United States, with coordinates 43.259700, -70.859700. The facility has a capacity of 2.1 MW and is classified as a small-scale hydroelectric plant. It is owned and operated by Aclara Meters LLC and is currently in operational status. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, including the Clean Air Act and state-level environmental regulations. Hydroelectric power plants like this one typically use run-of-river or reservoir-based technology to generate electricity from flowing water. The 2.1 MW capacity places it in the small-scale category, often serving local grid needs or industrial facilities. As a renewable energy source, this hydroelectric plant contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel-based generation. Its location in the northeastern United States supports regional grid stability and provides clean energy to the local community. The facility's small scale minimizes environmental impact while supporting sustainable power generation.
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 2.1 MW capacity suggests minimal ecological disruption, typical of small-scale hydro projects. The plant's location in the United States subjects it to federal and state environmental regulations, including the Clean Water Act and National Environmental Policy Act, which require environmental impact assessments and mitigation measures.
Frequently asked questions
General Electric Great Falls Upper Hydro is located in the United States, with coordinates 43.259700, -70.859700.
The facility has a capacity of 2.1 megawatts (MW), classifying it as a small-scale hydroelectric power plant.
The plant is owned and operated by Aclara Meters LLC.
Hydroelectric plants in the US are regulated under the Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing requirements.
Small hydroelectric plants have minimal environmental impact compared to large dams, but they can still affect local aquatic habitats. Regulations require measures to protect fish and water quality.