Idaho Falls shoots for self-sufficiency

Journal Article · · Public Power; (United States)

OSTI ID:5960877

Ackerman, J

In 1976, Idaho Falls, Idaho was faced with two major problems: three inoperable generating power plants due to the Teton Dam break and subsequent flood; and a promise of power shortages from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) starting in 1983. Idaho Falls solved both problems through the use of three bulb turbines, specially designed to accommodate the low river head, which have a 24-MW maximum output, more than triple the power provided by their three old plants. DOE's contribution of $7.3 million gave Idaho Falls the financial boost it needed to implement the program and the Idaho Falls project gave DOE the catalyst it needed to develop a small hydropower division. Some of the problems encountered in the construction and continuing operation are described, especially those occurring with BPA. 4 figures.

• Research Organization: KIFI-TV, Idaho Falls, Idaho
• OSTI ID: 5960877
• Journal Information: Public Power; (United States), Journal Name: Public Power; (United States) Vol. 40:6; ISSN PUPOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

13 HYDRO ENERGY
130300* -- Hydro Energy-- Plant Design & Operation
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
296000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Electric Power
DESIGN
ELECTRIC POWER
ENERGY SHORTAGES
ENERGY SOURCES
FEDERAL REGION X
HYDROELECTRIC POWER
HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
IDAHO
MACHINERY
NORTH AMERICA
POWER
POWER PLANTS
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
SHORTAGES
SMALL-SCALE HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
TURBINES
TURBOMACHINERY
USA