A new hydroelectric generating plant has been installed at the GRCA’s Shand Dam near Fergus and is generating enough electricity to meet the needs of about 600 homes.
The new plant, which cost about $1.3-million, went into operation in mid-July and is producing about 690 kilowatts of electricity. It replaced a 19-year-old unit that failed in 2006.
The new plant is more efficient than the old one and over the course of a year will generate about 30 per cent more electricity. The plant will pay for itself in about six years and has a 25-year life expectancy.
In addition to the Shand plant, the GRCA also has turbines at its Conestogo Dam, near Drayton, and the Guelph Dam, near Guelph. The Conestogo plant, which was also upgraded in 2006, generates about 550 kilowatts. The 23-year-old plant at Guelph Lake produces about 110 kilowatts.
Combined, the three plants produce just over 1,350 kilowatts of electricity, enough to power about 1,200 homes. The GRCA sells the electricity to the Ontario electricity system, producing about $450,000 in revenue a year, which is used to cover operating and maintenance costs, as well as repay the investment in new equipment. The net profit of about $120,000 a year is used to help finance the environmental work of the GRCA.
The water powering the turbines is water that is released from the reservoirs to maintain flows in the Grand, Conestogo, and Speed Rivers. The improved efficiency of the Shand and Conestogo plants means they can still generate greater amounts of electricity even in low flow periods.
