93rd largest plant in Idaho · 6210th nationally
South Forks Hydro is a hydroelectric power plant in Idaho with a nameplate capacity of 8.0 MW. It generates roughly 26.8k MWh per year — enough to power about 2,548 average U.S. homes.
Its capacity factor of 38% reflects intermittent or peaking operation.
| Plant Name | South Forks Hydro |
|---|---|
| Operator | South Forks Joint Venture |
| City | Hansen |
| County | Twin Falls County |
| State | Idaho |
| ZIP | 83334 |
| Coordinates | 42.49370, -114.31020 |
This plant highlighted in navy-ringed pin; other generators within 25 miles shown as fuel-colored dots.
| ID | Technology | Fuel | Capacity | Status | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEN1 | Conventional Hydroelectric | Water | 4.0 MW | Operating | 1984 |
| GEN2 | Conventional Hydroelectric | Water | 4.0 MW | Operating | 1984 |
| 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.