65th largest plant in Idaho · 4943rd nationally
Upper Salmon A is a hydroelectric power plant in Idaho with a nameplate capacity of 18.0 MW. It generates roughly 81.7k MWh per year — enough to power about 7,779 average U.S. homes.
Its capacity factor of 52% puts it in the middle range — running steadily but not full-time.
| Plant Name | Upper Salmon A |
|---|---|
| Operator | Idaho Power Co |
| City | Hagerman |
| County | Twin Falls County |
| State | Idaho |
| ZIP | 83332 |
| Coordinates | 42.76742, -114.92469 |
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 | 9.0 MW | Operating | 1937 |
| 2 | Conventional Hydroelectric | Water | 9.0 MW | Operating | 1937 |
| 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.