Xcel Energy’s 19 hydro plants in Wisconsin generated a 1.2 million megawatt hours of electricity in 2016, breaking the previous record of just over 1.1 million MWh set in 1996.
The company said upgrades that have increased output by 8.5MW together with above-average precipitation in 2016 contributed to the generation record, which equated to an average hourly production of 137MW.
Xcel Energy Hydro Operations senior manager Scott Crotty said: “Over the last several years, we have invested in our plants by upgrading some of the older units to increase capacity and efficiency and to keep them as a part of our generation fleet for years to come.
“The heavy rains in July presented significant challenges for our hydro plant operators and maintenance staff, but they kept the plants running safely and prevented any operational issues from occurring.”
Image: sxc
Xcel sets Wisconsin hydro record
Company's 19 plants in US state generate 1.2 million MWh in 2016
By EBS