Future potential for renewable hydroelectricity
The Centennial Reservoir Project creates the future potential to generate green, clean, hydroelectric energy for the community. A future hydroelectric development at Centennial Dam would be eligible for renewable energy certification status under the State of California’s current policy, which considers small hydropower’s “green attributes” as equivalent to wind and solar. . NID intends to adhere to the standards established by the Low Impact Hydropower Institute in the design of a future hydroelectric facility at Centennial Reservoir. When completed, the Centennial Reservoir Project hydroelectric facility operation would not contribute to global warming, air pollution, acid rain, or ozone depletion and would provide enough power for approximately 20,000 homes in the region.
Revenue from NID’s existing hydroelectric facilities is very important in offsetting the ongoing operation and maintenance of NID’s extensive water distribution system and ensuring clean, reliable and affordable energy output for our region.