Hydroelectric Power

In the United States, hydropower has been a mainstay of our national electric power system. In fact, only 55 years ago, hydropower was heralded for helping pull the nation out of the depression and for providing energy that helped win World War II. And it remains an essential source of power even today. It provides 10% of total electric generation nationally, enough to serve the needs of more than 37 million consumers nationwide.

It also remains one of the cleanest, most environmentally safe and affordable sources of energy. One of the major reasons for its environmental soundness and affordability is that hydropower is renewable. Because the water is continually renewed through annual rainfall, we constantly have a new source of the raw material needed to generate the power. And we access it with minimal environmental impacts, and without reliance on other countries.

Because it is renewable and easily accessible, the cost to operate and maintain hydroelectric facilities is about one-third that of fossil or nuclear generation facilities. This means that lower cost is passed along to you, the consumer.

Alabama Power has 14 hydroelectric facilities throughout the state which provide 7.2% of the company's power generation. Without a doubt, the state depends on these facilities as a source of dependable, stable and reasonably-priced electricity. In addition, these facilities provide more than 157,000 acres of water and more than 4,000 miles of shoreline for the use and enjoyment of the general public.

Alabama's river and lake systems have had an enormously positive impact locally and throughout the state. We hope that you will enjoy the water, understand its significance, respect its contribution, and help us protect it.

If we all join together in this effort, we'll all enjoy the benefits of hydrogeneration for years to come.