Developing the Best Renewable Resource - Hydropower: A Mission for the Municipal Electric Utility

The energy crisis and federal incentives initiated in the late 1970s led to development of many small hydroelectric projects by municipalities. The City of New Martinsville, West Virginia constructed a 35-megawatt project at the Hannibal Dam in 1988, providing a major addition to renewable electric power in the Midwest. The City plans two additional projects, possibly in cooperation with other municipalities in the region. New hydropower at existing navigation dams, such as Hannibal Dam, can provide renewable, low impact power in a manner consistent with the developing standards for such "green" power in the competitive electric marketplace. These plants can also contribute to the new capacity increment needed in the region, and can help municipal electric utilities maintain their independent status. Members of the hydro development community need to encourage the valuation of hydro project impacts in a fair manner by any entity endorsing renewable energy sources.