Portland General Electric (PGE) has reached a five-year high in emissions-free power generation from its Clackamas River facilities, following upgrades to the Faraday Powerhouse. The improvements are part of PGE’s West Side Hydropower project, which began in 2019.
The modernization effort, which included replacing the historic powerhouse with a new building and installing two high-efficiency turbines, has increased reliability and energy output. Since the upgraded facility went online in 2023, it has produced enough hydropower to supply about 70,000 homes.
“Since the Faraday Powerhouse came online, we’ve seen an increase in efficiency, meaning more megawatts generated for every drop of water that flows down the Clackamas River,” said Garth Wyatt, plant manager.
The original Faraday Powerhouse, built in 1907 and initially named the Cazadero Dam, was PGE’s first hydroelectric facility on the Clackamas River. It was rebuilt after sustaining significant flood damage in 1964 and remained a key part of PGE’s power generation for more than 50 years.
Beyond energy production, the upgrades also improve conditions for wildlife. The new turbines are designed to help juvenile fish migrate safely to the ocean.
“We’re seeing great results for fish, with more than one million juvenile salmon and steelhead swimming safely downstream to continue their journey to the ocean,” Wyatt said.
PGE’s hydroelectric facilities continue to play a role in Oregon’s transition to clean energy. The company aims to use hydropower as a key resource in meeting its 2030 and 2040 clean energy targets while maintaining a reliable power supply for customers.
