Appalachian Power lowers water levels in Virginia hydroelectric plants

Water levels in hydroelectric facilities operated by Appalachian Power in Virginia were lowered in preparation for the heavy rain expected this week from the remnants of Hurricane Florence.

Water levels at the Claytor Hydro facility on New River and the Smith Mountain facility on Roanoke River were reduced to mitigate against possible flooding on the reservoirs.

The Claytor Project operates at a level of about 1846-foot elevation. It reached its lower target elevation of 1841 feet last Wednesday in advance of the storm.

The Smith Mountain Project is a two-reservoir hydroelectric generation project operated by Appalachian Power located near Roanoke, Virginia. It is comprised of the Smith Mountain and Leesville reservoirs. Water levels were lowered from 795 feet to 792 feet. The adjusted level will also be maintained pending the rainfall outcome from Hurricane Florence.

Appalachian Power personnel has been monitoring the movements of the hurricane and have, or will, adjust as necessary.

“We are always monitoring weather for events that could damage our electrical facilities and cause power outages,” Phil Wright, Appalachian Power’s vice president of distribution, said.

Customers can access Appalachian Power hydro levels and flows at https://www.aep.com/environment/conservation/hydro/.

Appalachian Power, a subsidiary of American Electric Power, serves approximately 1 million customers in Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee.