18th largest plant in Idaho · 2673rd nationally
American Falls is a hydroelectric power plant in Idaho with a nameplate capacity of 92.4 MW. It generates roughly 262.2k MWh per year — enough to power about 24,971 average U.S. homes.
Its capacity factor of 32% reflects intermittent or peaking operation.
| Plant Name | American Falls |
|---|---|
| Operator | Idaho Power Co |
| City | American Falls |
| County | Power County |
| State | Idaho |
| ZIP | 83211 |
| Coordinates | 42.77780, -112.87640 |
This plant highlighted in navy-ringed pin; other generators within 25 miles shown as fuel-colored dots.
| ID | Technology | Fuel | Capacity | Status | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Conventional Hydroelectric | Water | 30.8 MW | Out of Service | 1978 |
| 2 | Conventional Hydroelectric | Water | 30.8 MW | Operating | 1978 |
| 3 | Conventional Hydroelectric | Water | 30.8 MW | Operating | 1978 |
| NERC Region | WECC |
|---|---|
| Balancing Authority | Idaho Power Company |
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.