280th largest plant in Minnesota · 8379th nationally
Winton is a hydroelectric power plant in Minnesota with a nameplate capacity of 4.0 MW. It generates roughly 9.1k MWh per year — enough to power about 869 average U.S. homes.
Its capacity factor of 26% reflects intermittent or peaking operation.
| Plant Name | Winton |
|---|---|
| Operator | Allete, Inc. |
| City | Winton |
| County | Lake County |
| State | Minnesota |
| ZIP | 55796 |
| Coordinates | 47.93440, -91.76390 |
| ID | Technology | Fuel | Capacity | Status | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Conventional Hydroelectric | Water | 2.0 MW | Operating | 1923 |
| 3 | Conventional Hydroelectric | Water | 2.0 MW | Operating | 1923 |
| NERC Region | MRO |
|---|---|
| Balancing Authority | Midcontinent Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.. |
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.