The Truckee Meadows Water Authority owns and operates three Hydroelectric Power Plants, and they offer tours of the Verdi Power Plant every Wednesday in September. TMWA’s Hydroelectric Power Plants have been in operation for over a century and provide enough electricity for 3,500 homes. I went last Wednesday and checked it out.
For me, this was very impressive to see this clean, renewable energy source still in use over 100 years after being built. The technology from the start of the industrial age mixed with modern technology was very interesting to see.
As you will see in the video the turbine and mechanical pieces of this power plant are the same as they were when they were built over 100 years ago but now they are paired up with modern digital controls. In some ways, this working power plant looked like a museum celebrating the invention of modern electric power.
The guides for the tour were very helpful and very approachable as well as knowledgeable. There is a rich history to be discovered as you talk to your guides. I found it interesting that there were so many people taking the tour and they were asking so many insightful questions.
Check out the video (I am sorry for the wind in part of the video, but stay with it to the end and you won’t be disappointed) and if you have the time I recommend going on the tour yourself. The tours are limited to 20 people and here is the email to make a reservation. [email protected], or call 834-8290 to reserve your spot.
