We expect to see as much as a 10 percent
increase in energy from each Lay unit, and
similar increases from the Bouldin and
Jordan units."
At Bouldin Hydro Plant, the unit 2
turbine retrofits should be completed by the
end of 2013. Jordan Hydro Plant unit 4 is
scheduled for completion around the first
week of March 2014.
"With the retrofits from these hydro
plants combined, Alabama Power will have
nearly the equivalent of a new unit through
the increased megawatts," said Bouldin Plant
Superintendent Chuck Easterling.
Before the upgrades to these four units,
Alabama Power had performed successful
major upgrades on 10 units at five other
hydro plants. The latest upgraded units are
expected to provide reliable service for more
than 50 years, and each unit should increase
generation by 8 percent to 12 percent.
"Another benefit is the time and expense
associated with maintenance of these
turbines should be greatly reduced. With
less time dedicated to maintaining these
units, the plant staff can be more effectively
utilized," Minor said.
Alabama Power operates 157,000 acres of
lakes created by 14 hydroelectric dams. Along
with providing enough renewable energy
to power 400,000 homes, the lakes support
environmental habitats and communities.
— Keisa Sharpe
For more photos of work to upgrade turbines at
dams on the Coosa River, visit Alabama Power's
NewsCenter.
alabamapowernews.com
S hor el i ne s | 2013 Vol:4
11
