The Advantages of Hydroelectric Power
Water is one of our greatest resources – and one of the most powerful. Harnessing this power and converting it to hydroelectricity has many advantages over other energy sources:
- Hydroelectric power is truly a renewable energy source, as snowmelt and rainfall replenish these reservoirs annually.
- This form of energy is not subject to the same fluctuations in price as fossil fuels, so the cost of operation is considerably less.
- Hydroelectric reservoirs create water recreation areas for the communities around them.
How does hydroelectric power work?
Rushing water produces energy by flowing through dams and turbine blades. These blades are connected to generators, which are hooked up to transmission lines. These lines deliver electricity to homes and communities across the region.
Hydroelectricity in South Dakota
Massive dams on the Missouri River constructed in the 1950s and 1960s not only provide flood control along the river, but also help generate thousands of kilowatts of electricity.
South Dakota has four major hydroelectric dams that are federally owned and operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. These dams help provide low-cost power to your local Touchstone Energy Cooperative.
- Oahe Dam – Fort Pierre, SD
- Big Bend Dam – Fort Thompson, SD
- Fort Randall Dam – Pickstown, SD
- Gavins Point Dam – Yankton, SD
