Conventional Hydro Generating Electricity
Hydroelectric plants harness the power of water to generate electricity. Water falling from an elevated reservoir drives turbines beneath a dam to create the power.
Because water is the source of power, hydroelectricity is inexpensive and environmentally friendly. However, the amount of power that can be created by hydroelectricity is limited by the volume of water held by the dam.
In the Carolinas, we use hydroelectric plants to meet peak demands, at times when electricity usage is greatest, like hot summer days or cold winter nights.