Big Creek Hydro
SCE’s Big Creek Hydroelectric System generates approximately 1,000 megawatts of power which is 90% of SCE’s hydroelectric power and 20% percent of SCE owned power generation capacity. The Big Creek System, located in the central Sierra Nevada Mountains, is comprised of 6 major reservoirs, 27 dams, 9 powerhouses, and miles of interconnecting infrastructure earning it the motto “The Hardest Working Water in the World.”
Click here to download the large version of the map (PDF)
The magnitude and complexity of the Big Creek System affects the watershed and its natural resources; the local communities, economies and cultures present in the basin; and the outdoor recreation opportunities that draw visitors and residents alike. Stakeholders are abundant and represent varying competing interests with regards to the resources of the project area.
Big Creek operations are regulated by numerous government natural resource agencies and ultimately all hydroelectric projects over 5 megawatts must have a license to operate from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). For the Big Creek System, that means 7 Licenses. SCE is nearing the end of a decade-long effort to renew its licenses and planning has begun to engage in the transition to new license implementation.
This website will reflect the transition process and will have the following sections:
- General Big Creek Factsheets
- Regulatory Process and Stakeholder Involvement
- Final Environmental Impact Statement and Environmental Assessments
- Final License Orders (not yet available)
- Results From Ongoing Technical Studies and Monitoring (not yet available)
- Project Operations and Maintenance – Public Notifications
- Water Year Projections
- Spill Projections (not yet available for 2011)
- Planned Infrastructure Modifications (not yet available)
- Anticipated Construction or Facility Rehabilitation (not yet available)
- Recreational Information – Public Notifications
- Anticipated Campground or Day-Use Construction Projects (not yet available)
- Projected and Actual Reservoir Elevations
- Projected and Actual In-Stream Flow Levels
- Boat Ramp Operational Limits
- White Water Runs – Horseshoe Bend and Tied-For-First
