Increasing peak power generation using SCADA and automation: a case study of the Kaweah River Power Authority

The Kaweah River Power Authority (KRPA) is a joint powers authority comprised of the Kaweah Delta Water Conservation District (KDWCD) and Tulare Irrigation District (TID) in Central California. The KRPA operates a 20 megawatt (MW) generator at Terminus Dam (Dam) on the Kaweah River. In 2002 with the assistance of the Irrigation Training and Research Center (ITRC) at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, the KRPA developed a plan to generate and supply more power during the peak demand hours (12 p.m.– 6 p.m.). This was accomplished through a change in power plant and river operations, along with the installation and use of SCADA and gate automation at key points along river and canal system. The SCADA system also provided water management benefits to Tulare Irrigation District (TID) and Kaweah Delta Water Conservation District (KDWCD).