Every year on August 24, the National Hydropower Association recognizes the essential role hydropower plays in delivering clean, renewable, and reliable energy to communities across the United States. For more than 140 years, hydropower has provided carbon-free electricity, supporting water supply, recreation, flood control, and grid reliability.
Hydropower isn’t just about energy. Hydropower strengthens local communities, provides jobs, ensures 24/7 grid reliability, and drives innovative solutions for the future. That’s why this day is dedicated to raising awareness of hydropower’s positive impact.
Here in the Central Valley, the Kings River Conservation District (KRCD) is proud to be part of that story.
The Jeff L. Taylor Pine Flat Power Plant: 40+ Years of Clean Energy
Located at the base of Pine Flat Dam, the Jeff L. Taylor Pine Flat Power Plant has been producing renewable, carbon-free energy for four decades. Since beginning full commercial operation on April 1, 1984, the plant has continuously supplied power to the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) for use in operating the State Water Project—the nation’s largest state-owned water and power generator, which provides clean water to 27 million Californians, 750,000 acres of farmland, and businesses throughout the state.
The Power Plant’s three turbines have a combined capacity of 165 megawatts, and in the 2023 water year, it produced 4.5 million megawatt-hours of electricity. 2023 was one of the top five production years in its history.
Honoring a Visionary Leader: Jeff L. Taylor
In 2004, the plant was renamed in honor of Jeff L. Taylor, KRCD’s General Manager for 29 years, who was instrumental in making the project a reality. His vision and leadership ensured the Power Plant would be a significant contributor to California’s energy supply during the state’s hottest months, when demand is greatest.
Jeff L Taylor’s legacy continues to live on through the ongoing operation and innovation at the Power Plant.
Expanding Clean Energy at the Jeff L. Taylor Pine Flat Power Plant
KRCD is committed to building on this legacy by expanding renewable energy opportunities. A new, smaller 6 MW hydroelectric unit is now in development, designed to capture flows too low for the larger turbines. Completion of the fourth hydroelectric turbine is slated for fall of 2027. This addition will generate even more clean energy from water already passing through the system, further increasing the plant’s efficiency and contributions to California’s renewable energy future.
With the leadership of our Board of Directors and the dedication of staff, KRCD looks forward to continuing to deliver reliable, renewable hydropower to the region for generations to come.
Hydropower Is Here to Stay
As we celebrate National Hydropower Day 2025, KRCD joins partners across the country in highlighting hydropower’s many benefits in supplying local clean energy, reliable power, jobs, recreation, irrigation, and flood control.
For 40 years, the Jeff L. Taylor Pine Flat Power Plant has been a cornerstone of California’s clean energy system, and KRCD remains committed to advancing hydropower as a solution for today and the future.
