172nd largest plant in Colorado · 8803rd nationally
South Canal Hydro-3 is a hydroelectric power plant in Colorado with a nameplate capacity of 3.5 MW. It generates roughly 11.5k MWh per year — enough to power about 1,098 average U.S. homes.
Its capacity factor of 38% reflects intermittent or peaking operation.
| Plant Name | South Canal Hydro-3 |
|---|---|
| Operator | Delta-Montrose Electric Association |
| City | Montrose |
| County | Montrose County |
| State | Colorado |
| ZIP | 81401 |
| Coordinates | 38.47028, -107.77139 |
This plant highlighted in navy-ringed pin; other generators within 25 miles shown as fuel-colored dots.
| ID | Technology | Fuel | Capacity | Status | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC-3 | Conventional Hydroelectric | Water | 3.5 MW | Operating | 2013 |
| NERC Region | WECC |
|---|---|
| Balancing Authority | Western Area Power Administration - Rocky Mountain Region |
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.