KRCD conducted a study in the early 1980s and again in 2001 to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of installing low-head hydroelectric generation facilities on existing weirs and headgates.

Development plans were identified for 11 water storage and distribution sites within the service areas of the Fresno, Alta and Laguna irrigation districts, and the People’s Ditch Company.

Of the 11 sites studied, two remain technically feasible at this time. The Gould Weir site offers the most promising development potential. With an expected generation of more than 4,400,000 kilowatt-hours per year, the estimated production cost is approximately 4.4 cents per kilowatt-hour. The People’s Weir site also offers development potential with an expected annual generation over 1,900,000 kilowatt-hours per year and an estimate production cost of 6.3 cents per kilowatt-hour.

KRCD monitors the energy market on an ongoing basis to determine if and when energy prices will support such low-flow hydro projects.