31st largest plant in Washington · 1416th nationally
Gorge is a hydroelectric power plant in Washington with a nameplate capacity of 207 MW. It generates roughly 725.5k MWh per year — enough to power about 69,096 average U.S. homes.
Its capacity factor of 40% reflects intermittent or peaking operation.
| Plant Name | Gorge |
|---|---|
| Operator | City Of Seattle - (Wa) |
| City | Rockport |
| County | Whatcom County |
| State | Washington |
| ZIP | 98283 |
| Coordinates | 48.69806, -121.20861 |
This plant highlighted in navy-ringed pin; other generators within 25 miles shown as fuel-colored dots.
| ID | Technology | Fuel | Capacity | Status | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | Conventional Hydroelectric | Water | 96.9 MW | Operating | 1951 |
| 21 | Conventional Hydroelectric | Water | 36.8 MW | Operating | 1924 |
| 22 | Conventional Hydroelectric | Water | 36.8 MW | Operating | 1924 |
| 23 | Conventional Hydroelectric | Water | 36.8 MW | Operating | 1929 |
| NERC Region | WECC |
|---|---|
| Balancing Authority | Seattle City Light |
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.