The City and Borough of Sitka is expanding its current hydroelectric system at Blue Lake. The project includes raising the dam by 83 feet; constructing a new powerhouse with three new 5.3 MW turbine-generators; and installing a new intake and connection tunnel. The modifications will raise the capacity of the system from 7.5 MW to 16.9 MW, which will generate an additional 32,000 MWh/yr and eliminate 2.285 million gallons of diesel fuel annually.

The project is expected to be completed spring 2015.

Construction of Blue Lake Expansion Project (photo courtesy of City of Sitka Electric Department).