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Power


We generate nearly 40 percent of the energy our customers require at Don Pedro Dam and Powerhouse. A substantial amount of energy is generated at other District-owned facilities, including clean small hydroelectric power plants on irrigation canals and three natural gas-fired turbine generating plants. Energy is also purchased under long- and short-term contracts from other suppliers as needed.

Hydroelectric Projects

Don Pedro Hydroelectric Project

The Turlock and Modesto irrigation districts have been delivering power to retail customers since 1923. As public power agencies, the districts exist to serve their electric customers. TID is the operating partner and majority owner of the Don Pedro Hydroelectric Project with 68.46 percent, and MID has a 31.54 percent ownership. The powerhouse can generate up to 203 megawatts of electric power from its four generators.

Small Hydroelectric Projects

TID generates electricity on its irrigation canal system through several small hydroelectric plants. Each of these renewable energy plants utilizes the power of irrigation water flowing through the gravity-fed system to create electricity during a season when demand is at its highest.

Natural Gas

Walnut Energy Center

The 250-megawatt Walnut Energy Center (WEC) is an efficient, environmentally responsible source of economical and reliable energy serving the growing energy demands within our service area.

Using natural gas for fuel, the WEC is among the cleanest power generating facilities of comparable size in the nation. By utilizing the best available emissions control technology, its emissions are as much as 85 percent lower than those of older generating facilities currently operating in California.

Other Natural Gas-Fired Resources

Besides the Walnut Energy Center we operate two other natural-gas fired plants: The Almond and Walnut power plants, both located within our service area. Each is capable of generating 49.9 megawatts, representing approximately 19 percent of our total power generation capability.

Control Area

In December 2005, the District began operating its own electric service control area following certification by the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC). TID assumed full responsibility for generating, securing, scheduling, balancing, and delivering power to its customers on a 24-hour basis.

To become a control area, the District demonstrated that it possessed adequate resources to meet the total power demand of its customers.

The District’s responsibilities as a control area include balancing energy resources at all times with actual customer demand. Other responsibilities include responding to contingencies immediately without relying on outside assistance and electronically documenting all transactions entering or leaving the control area per industry requirements.


Renewable Energy Policy (pdf)

 

  
 

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