Castaic Pumped Hydro Pumped Hydro Capacity (MW): 1,682.00 Status: Operating Locations: Pyramid Lake, California, USA Pyramid Lake, Los Angeles County, California, USA

Description:

The pumping forebay, which is separated from the main reservoir by a dam located downstream from the Castaic Power Plant, functions in connection with the pumped storage operations of the plant. This assures the availability of at least 10,000 acre feet (12,000,000 m3) of water which can be pumped back to Pyramid Lake by the use of off peak energy when economical to do so. The City of Los Angeles has need for capacity to meet its peak requirements ranging from 3 to 6 hours per day in the winter to 6 to 10 hours per day in summer, depending upon climatic conditions. The water which normally flows through the West Branch of the State Aqueduct during off peak periods, is stored in the higher level Pyramid Lake.

Analyst Notes: