US department of Energy selects Petersburg Municipal Power & Light to improve hydroelectric facilities and increase efficiency
On Feb. 2, 2024, the Blind Slough Hydroelectric Project was selected to receive up to $2.9 million in Hydroelectric Efficiency Improvement Incentives from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for improvements that increase our facility's efficiency. The Hydroelectric Efficiency Improvement Incentives will support the continued operation of the U.S. hydropower fleet and ensure a more reliable and resilient electric grid system.The Petersburg Borough is honored to be chosen as a recipient of this hydro efficiency incentive grant. Blind Slough Hydro has been in operation for over 100 years and these incentive payments make it possible to continue operations for the benefit of Petersburg’s residents and businesses far into the future.
- This project will completely revitalize Petersburg’s long-standing local hydroelectric facility with the following work:
- Replacement of a single nozzle turbine with a more efficient two-nozzle design.
- Replacement of generating equipment, switchgear, protective relays and control system.
- Upgrading the powerhouse bypass system to supply water to the Crystal Lake Hatchery at all times.
- Various penstock repairs and refurbishments.
Funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and administered by DOE’s Grid Deployment Office, theHydroelectric Efficiency Improvement Incentivesprovide incentive payments to owners and operators of hydroelectric facilities, including pumped storage hydropower, to make capital improvements that improve their facility’s efficiency by an average of 14% with a statutory minimum of 3% improvement per facility. These investments include upgrades to facility turbines and generators, as well as improvements to water conveyance structures, to increase efficiency.
