Hydroelectric generating capacity is on the rise with the construction of new power plants along the Ohio River in Kentucky and West Virginia.
Enough new hydroelectricity to power up to 320,000 homes will come online this year. The U.S. Energy Information Administration said projects are in development at Cannelton, Meldahl and Smithland in Kentucky.
When these are complete, the hydroelectric generating capacity along the Ohio River will grow from 313 megawatts to 554 megawatts.
American Municipal Power President and CEO Marc Gerken says new facilities will help insulate AMP from future carbon regulations and will be a long-term benefit to its members.
AMP officials opened generating units at the Willow Island Lock and Dam in Pleasants County, West Virginia, earlier this year.
