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South Canal Project

The South Canal Hydroelectric Project is comprised of two small hydro turbines, totaling 7.5 MW, situated along the South Canal in Montrose, CO. DMEA and the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association partnered to develop the generation units, which produce approximately 27,000,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity annually. This is roughly equivalent to the power used by 3,000 homes in DMEA’s service territory. Electricity is produced during the irrigation season, April through October, to match the existing flow of water.

It is estimated that the South Canal project, will eliminate more than 275,000 tons of carbon from entering the atmosphere over a 30-year period, while producing about 6-7 megawatts (MW) of capacity annually.

South Canal History

If you live in the Uncompahgre Valley, you’re part of a vision that began more than 100 years ago.  In 1909, the fledgling U.S. Bureau of Reclamation revealed its first major project, the 5.8 mile Gunnison Tunnel, an engineering marvel and the longest irrigation tunnel in the world at the time. President William Howard Taft was present to officially open the tunnel, enabling our semi-arid zone to be transformed into a thriving agricultural community.

A century later, that vision expanded when DMEA and the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association (UVWUA) announced plans to construct a multi-million dollar hydroelectric plant along the South Canal. The plant delivers water from the Gunnison Tunnel to the valley.

DMEA, together with the UVWUA, officially broke ground on the South Canal Hydroelectric Project on May 25, 2012. The project included the construction of two run-of-river intakes and two powerhouses that would operate without damming. The facilities are located on two of three, previously identified sites, labeled “Site 1” and “Site 3.” “Site 2” is reserved for potential development in the future.

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©2021 Delta-Montrose Electric Assn.. A Touchstone Energy Cooperative

  • Account Services
    • My Account
    • Payment & Billing Options
    • Energy Assistance
    • Rates
    • Start/Stop Electric Service
    • Time-of-Use
    • New Construction Information
    • Unclaimed Capital Credits Search
  • News & Publications
    • Power Supply
    • Press Releases
    • Newsletters
    • Annual Report
    • Position Papers
    • Member Handbook
  • About Us
    • About DMEA
    • Contact Us
    • Annual Meeting and Elections
      • 2020 DMEA Board Candidates
      • DMEA Board Candidate Self Nomination
    • Board of Directors
      • Service Area
    • Capital Credits
    • Co-op History
    • Financial Statements
    • Bylaws
    • Meeting & Events
    • Tree Trimming/Removal
  • Efficiency
    • Home Energy Evaluation
    • Free Home Weatherization
    • Home Energy Audits
    • Home Energy Monitors
  • Renewables
    • South Canal Project
    • Community Solar Array
    • Net Metering
    • Qualifying Facilities Information
  • Careers
  • Community
    • Operation Round Up
    • Scholarships
    • Youth Leadership Programs
    • Educational Services
    • Community Sponsorships
  • High Speed Internet
    • About Elevate
    • Elevate For Business
    • Elevate Home Phone
    • Elevate Internet