Considered the original renewable energy source, hydropower has been supplying reliable, clean energy to millions of Americans. American Electric Power (AEP), Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) parent company, operates 15 hydroelectric facilities that have provided renewable power to customers for a combined 1,461 years – and counting.
Mottville Hydroelectric Facility along the St. Joseph River.
I&M owns and operates six hydroelectric plants along the St. Joseph River in Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan. This includes the oldest hydro facility in AEP’s fleet -- Twin Branch Hydroelectric Plant. It was commissioned in 1903 in Mishawaka, Ind. Here are the plants I&M owns and maintains:
- Berrien Springs (MI)
- Buchanan (MI)
- Constantine (MI)
- Mottville (MI)
- Elkhart (IN)
- Twin Branch (Mishawaka, IN)
All six are operated “run-of-river,” meaning all water goes through the generation equipment and then is passed down the river. At four of the hydroelectric plants – Buchanan, Mottville, Constantine and Elkhart – original equipment is still in operation. A highly skilled team is dedicated to ensuring the plants operate safely and efficiently.
“The hydroelectric facilities are monitored 24/7 by our Generation Dispatch team in Columbus, Ohio, and we conduct weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual inspections on equipment and structures,” said Yun Gao, Energy Production superintendent, who oversees all of I&M’s hydroelectric facilities. “Our hydroelectric mechanics are also ready to respond at all hours, on weekends and holidays to ensure the facilities operate as intended.”
A team comprised of a maintenance supervisor, hydro mechanics, hydro technicians, plant support specialist and project coordinator maintain the six facilities around the clock. They clean trash from the facilities to make sure water can flow through the generating units, make repairs if necessary and perform inspections and surveys.
I&M ensures our facilities are operated and maintained following requirements of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); the State of Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE); and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). I&M also conducts emergency exercises every 5 and 10 years with local organizations including city fire and police departments, emergency management and community leaders.
“Our dams have been in the communities along the St. Joseph Rivers for decades and aren’t just a source of reliable power,” Gao said. “Those living in the communities see the facilities as places to fish and enjoy the view. We are proud to provide clean, reliable, renewable power to our customers safely and efficiently.”