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Moccasin Powerhouse

Hetch Hetchy Power System

The Hetch Hetchy Power System is good for customers, the City, and the planet. The electricity is cost-effective and 100% greenhouse gas-free, helping the City’s fiscal bottom line, combating climate change, and protecting public health.

We own and operate all aspects of the Hetch Hetchy Power system:

  • 385 MW of greenhouse gas-free hydroelectric generation capacity
  • 8.5 MW of solar generation capacity
  • 160 miles of clean energy transmission lines from Yosemite to the Bay Area

View our 2022 Product Content Label to better understand what type of energy we generate and where it comes from. (See 2021, 2020,  2019, 2018.)

Did You Know?

Hetch Hetchy Power has been recognized by the international nonprofit The Climate Registry for measuring and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Hydropower

Kirkwood Powerhouse

The same force of gravity that propels tap water to your faucet is also harnessed to generate 100% greenhouse gas-free Hetch Hetchy hydroelectric power. That’s right; your tap water powers vital City services like MUNI’s electric buses, public schools, and fire stations with electricity that is better for the environment and your health.

The Hetch Hetchy Power System consists of three hydroelectric powerhouses: Moccasin, Kirkwood (pictured right) and Holm. Moccasin and Kirkwood receive water from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, while Holm is fed from Lake Eleanor and Cherry Lake.

The Kirkwood Powerhouse is particularly special. Because of its small size, it is considered a small hydroelectric facility and deemed renewable under the Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) in California. Hetch Hetchy Power customers interested in 100% renewable electricity can learn more about our Hetch Hetchy Power Premium service here.

How does hydropower work exactly? Watch the video below that features the Moccasin Powerhouse to learn more.

Solar

City Hall Solar ArrayWe operate numerous solar installations throughout San Francisco on City-owned property. These include Moscone Center, City Hall, Sunset Reservoir, and Davies Symphony Hall. In general, the installations help power the buildings they reside on or help power other Hetchy Power customers.

We also installed our first solar plus battery storage project at the Police Academy in Diamond Heights in 2021. The Police Academy can draw on stored solar energy from the batteries at night after the sun goes down to help power their facility.

How does solar energy work? Watch the video below to find out.