234th largest plant in Michigan · 10231st nationally
Cataract (Mi) is a hydroelectric power plant in Michigan with a nameplate capacity of 2.0 MW. It generates roughly 5.5k MWh per year — enough to power about 522 average U.S. homes.
Its capacity factor of 31% reflects intermittent or peaking operation.
| Plant Name | Cataract (Mi) |
|---|---|
| Operator | Cataract Hydro, Llc |
| City | Gwinn |
| County | Marquette County |
| State | Michigan |
| ZIP | 49841 |
| Coordinates | 46.31560, -87.51280 |
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 | 2.0 MW | Operating | 1988 |
| NERC Region | RFC |
|---|---|
| Balancing Authority | Midcontinent Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.. |
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.