Briefing on Tulloch

Tulloch, a 30 MW hydroelectric plant operating since 1958, is currently experiencing a significant 59% decline in generation over the last six months, even as new development for the 'Tulloch Day Use Park' is underway with an expected COD of Q2 2024.

Overview

• Plant Name: Tulloch

• Status: Operating since 1958

• Technology: Conventional Hydroelectric with 3 generators

• Operator/Owner: Oakdale&South San Joaquin Irrigation D..

• Developer: Tri-Dam Project (myMotherLode.com, 2022-01-13)

• Project Name: Tulloch Day Use Park (myMotherLode.com, 2022-01-13)

• Latest Activity: Groundbreaking (myMotherLode.com, 2022-01-13) with an Expected COD of Q2 2024 (myMotherLode.com, 2022-01-13)

Operational Metrics

• Capacity: 30 MW

• Annual Generation: 104 GWh with a 39.4% capacity factor

• Recent Generation (2024): October: 1 GWh, November: 2 GWh, December: 1 GWh

• Generation Trend: Down 59% over the past 6 months compared to the prior 6 months

Financial Profile

• Capital Expenditure (CapEx): $2294/kW (Source: eia_agg_cost)

Grid and Context

• Grid ISO: CAISO (California)

• NERC Region: WECC

• Balancing Authority: California Independent System Operator

• Similar Plants: Muck Valley Hydroelectric, Oneida, Navajo Dam

• Nearby Plants: Sonora 1, New Melones, Sierra Energy Storage, LLC

• Risk Factors: R12_NATCAT_FM (Natural Catastrophe - Fire Management)

• News Signals: Construction commitments related to "Day Use Park To Open At Lake Tulloch"; constraints due to a house fire spreading to vegetation near Lake Tulloch.

Tulloch, an aging but operational hydroelectric plant, is undergoing new development with the Tulloch Day Use Park project, signaling continued investment despite recent declines in generation. The plant's financial profile indicates a significant capital expenditure per kW, while its location in California exposes it to natural catastrophe risks, particularly wildfires.