Overview
La Grange is a 4.5 MW hydroelectric power plant in California, operated by the Turlock Irrigation District. It generates renewable electricity from hydropower.
La Grange is a hydroelectric power plant located in California, United States, with a capacity of 4.5 MW. The facility is owned and operated by the Turlock Irrigation District, a public utility serving the region. As a small-scale hydroelectric plant, it contributes to the local renewable energy mix. The plant utilizes hydropower as its primary fuel source, a clean and renewable energy technology. In the United States, hydroelectric plants are subject to federal regulations including the Federal Power Act and oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The facility's relatively small capacity places it in the small-scale category for hydropower generation. La Grange plays a role in supporting grid stability and providing low-carbon electricity to the surrounding area. Its operation by a public irrigation district highlights the integration of water management and power generation. The plant's environmental footprint is minimal compared to fossil fuel-based generation, with no direct emissions from electricity production.
Environmental context
As a hydroelectric plant, La Grange produces electricity without direct CO2, SOx, or NOx emissions, offering a clean energy alternative. Its location in California, a state with stringent environmental regulations, ensures compliance with water quality and ecosystem protection standards. The facility's small capacity limits its impact on local hydrology, though hydroelectric operations can affect aquatic habitats and flow regimes.
Frequently asked questions
La Grange hydroelectric plant is located in California, United States, at coordinates 37.669700, -120.443600.
La Grange has a capacity of 4.5 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
The plant is owned and operated by the Turlock Irrigation District, a public utility in California.
Hydroelectric plants in the U.S. are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) under the Federal Power Act, and must comply with environmental laws such as the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act.
Hydroelectric power generates electricity without direct emissions of CO2, SOx, or NOx, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas contributions compared to fossil fuel plants.