504th largest plant in California · 3992nd nationally
Upper Gorge is a hydroelectric power plant in California with a nameplate capacity of 37.5 MW. It generates roughly 112.2k MWh per year — enough to power about 10,685 average U.S. homes.
Its capacity factor of 34% reflects intermittent or peaking operation.
| Plant Name | Upper Gorge |
|---|---|
| Operator | Los Angeles Department Of Water & Power |
| City | Bishop |
| County | Mono County |
| State | California |
| ZIP | 93514 |
| Coordinates | 37.54604, -118.59000 |
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 | 37.5 MW | Operating | 1953 |
| NERC Region | WECC |
|---|---|
| Balancing Authority | Los Angeles Department Of Water And Power |
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.