History
Shoshone Power Plant began operation in 1922 and the third unit came on line in 1931. The original total installed capacity of the three units was 6,012 kilowatts. In 1980 the plant was shut down due to the deteriorated condition of the units. Units 1 and 2 remain in place in a decommissioned status. Unit 3 was removed and replaced with a new 3,000 kilowatt unit in 1991.
The Secretary of the Interior authorized the Shoshone Project on February 10, 1904, under authority of the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902.
Floodwaters of the Shoshone River are stored in Buffalo Bill Reservoir for later release for irrigation and power generation. Power is developed at the Shoshone, Heart Mountain, Buffalo Bill, and Spirit Mountain power plants. The system is interconnected with the West Division of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program.
Plan
Power produced on the project is fed into a grid system which serves an area extending into three States. The Shoshone Power Plant is near the base of Buffalo Bill Dam and has a capacity of 3,000 kilowatts. Shoshone Power Plant began operation in 1922 and the third unit came on line in 1931. The original total installed capacity of the three units was 6,012 kilowatts. In 1980 the plant was shut down due to the deteriorated condition of the units. Units 1 and 2 remain in place in a decommissioned status. Unit 3 was removed and replaced with a new 3,000 kilowatt unit in 1991. A contract was completed in FY 2003 for repairs to the draft tube of the power plant.
