1251st largest plant in California · 9652nd nationally
Parker is a hydroelectric power plant in California with a nameplate capacity of 2.7 MW. It generates roughly 3.5k MWh per year — enough to power about 335 average U.S. homes.
Its capacity factor of 15% reflects intermittent or peaking operation.
| Plant Name | Parker |
|---|---|
| Operator | Merced Irrigation District |
| City | Snelling |
| County | Merced County |
| State | California |
| ZIP | 95344 |
| Coordinates | 37.47784, -120.44449 |
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 | 2.7 MW | Operating | 1982 |
| NERC Region | WECC |
|---|---|
| Balancing Authority | California Independent System Operator |
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.