News Release Archive

Reclamation and WAPA Upgrading Electrical Transmission System at Folsom Dam; Water Releases Visible

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, 916-978-5100, plucero@usbr.gov

For Release: April 03, 2009

To improve the reliability of the electrical transmission system, the Bureau of Reclamation and the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), in cooperation with the Sacramento Municipal Utilities District (SMUD), will begin implementing upgrades at the Folsom Dam Powerplant on Monday, April 6, 2009.  The work involves looping an existing SMUD line into the Folsom Substation.  For safety reasons, the substation must be de-energized, which requires operations be curtailed at both the Folsom and Nimbus Powerplants. The Nimbus Powerplant generation is also affected since its power transmission line connects to the Folsom Substation.  The work should be completed by Friday, April 10, 2009.

American River releases that occur every day from Folsom and Nimbus Dams are not typically visible since the water passes through the powerplants' hydroelectric generators.  Since water can't be released through the powerplants during the substation work, it will instead pass through the spillway gates on Folsom and Nimbus Dams and will be easily seen.  

The work will have no adverse effect on water supplies and will not impact the quantity of water released.  Releases will remain consistent with Reclamation's requirements to meet downstream environmental and water supply needs while conserving cold water in Folsom Reservoir.

For questions, please contact the Public Affairs Office at 916-978-5100 or e-mail ibr2mprpao@mp.usbr.gov

# # #

The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.