71st largest plant in Washington · 3575th nationally
Alder is a hydroelectric power plant in Washington with a nameplate capacity of 50.0 MW. It generates roughly 169.4k MWh per year — enough to power about 16,136 average U.S. homes.
Its capacity factor of 39% reflects intermittent or peaking operation.
| Plant Name | Alder |
|---|---|
| Operator | City Of Tacoma - (Wa) |
| City | La Grande |
| County | Pierce County |
| State | Washington |
| ZIP | 98348 |
| Coordinates | 46.80160, -122.31020 |
This plant highlighted in navy-ringed pin; other generators within 25 miles shown as fuel-colored dots.
| ID | Technology | Fuel | Capacity | Status | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Conventional Hydroelectric | Water | 25.0 MW | Operating | 1947 |
| 12 | Conventional Hydroelectric | Water | 25.0 MW | Operating | 1945 |
| NERC Region | WECC |
|---|---|
| Balancing Authority | City Of Tacoma, Department Of Public Utilities, Light Division |
Hydroelectric plants spin turbines using falling or flowing water — typically from a dam-impounded reservoir. They are dispatchable, long-lived, and emission-free at the point of generation, though large reservoirs can disrupt rivers and ecosystems and methane can be released from flooded vegetation.