Hydro power plants harness the energy of falling water to make electricity. A dam
backs up the water, creating a deep reservoir and a higher fall of water. In other
words, the reservoir is a form of stored energy. When the water is released, its force
turns a turbine. The turbine turns a generator, where electricity is produced.
Be safe! Accidents and fatalities that occur near dams can be prevented
by using common sense, staying clear of, adhering to warning sirens, signs and barriers,
and understand the dangers to be found near them. Make safety your highest priority while
recreating near hydroelectric facilities.
Hydroelectric plants - (wholly owned and operated by WPS)
| |
River |
Units |
Total MW* |
Date built |
Operating mode |
License expiration |
Otter Rapids
Vilas County |
Wisconsin |
2 |
0.5 |
1-1927
2-1924 |
Run-of-River |
2030 |
Hat Rapids
Oneida County |
Wisconsin |
3 |
1.7 |
1-1923
2-1984
3-1984 |
Run-of-River |
N/A |
Jersey
Lincoln County |
Wisconsin |
3 |
0.5 |
1-1923
2-1920
3-1922 |
Run-of-River |
2026 |
Tomahawk
Lincoln County
|
Wisconsin |
2 |
2.6 |
1938 |
Limited Peaking |
2058 |
Grandfather Falls
Lincoln County
|
Wisconsin |
2 |
17.2 |
1938 |
Limited Peaking |
2058 |
Alexander
Lincoln County |
Wisconsin |
3 |
4.2 |
1925 |
Limited Peaking |
2035 |
Merrill
Lincoln County |
Wisconsin |
3 |
2.3 |
1-1917
2-1917
3-1984 |
Run-of-River |
N/A |
Wausau
Marathon County |
Wisconsin |
3 |
5.4 |
1-1921
2-1921
3-1924 |
Run-of-River |
2026 |
Caldron Falls
Marinette County |
Peshtigo |
2 |
6.4 |
1924 |
Limited Peaking |
2037 |
High Falls
Marinette County |
Peshtigo |
5 |
7.0 |
1910 |
Regulation |
2037 |
Johnson Falls
Marinette County |
Peshtigo |
2 |
3.4 |
1923 |
Run-of-River |
2037 |
Sandstone Rapids
Marinette County |
Peshtigo |
2 |
3.8 |
1925 |
Run-of-River |
2037 |
Potato Rapids
Marinette County |
Peshtigo |
3 |
1.3 |
1-1926
2-1921
3-1921 |
Run-of-River |
2037 |
Peshtigo
Marinette County |
Peshtigo |
2 |
0.6 |
1-1920
2-1924 |
Run-of-River |
2037 |
Grand Rapids (MI)
Menominee County |
Menominee |
5 |
7.5 |
1-1940
2-1941
3-1945
4-1918
5-1923 |
Run-of-River |
2037 |
** Relicensing effort
Hydroelectric plants - (50% ownership by WPS)
| |
River |
Total MW* (WPS MW)) |
Petenwell
Juneau County |
Wisconsin |
20 (10) |
Castle Rock
Adams County |
Wisconsin |
15 (7.5) |
* Total MW represented by nameplate rating
Hydroelectric project data
Third-party land use requests
Third-party requests for certain activities on our property require a due diligence environmental review and our approval of the requested activity. To initiate our review process, fill out the Third-party land use request form.
