The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District is preparing to bring all district operated hydropower plants online as a winter storm moves into the region this weekend.
Officials say the move will help meet expected peak energy demand as temperatures drop and electricity use increases. The Corps is working with regional power partners to support the reliability of the electric grid and reduce the risk of rolling blackouts.
Hydropower facilities that may be used include Beaver, Table Rock, Bull Shoals, Norfork and Greers Ferry lakes in the White River Basin, along with the Ozark and Dardanelle powerhouses on the Arkansas River.
From Friday through Monday, several units are expected to run full time, which could cause lake levels to drop as much as half a foot per day. Residents, marina operators and dock owners are encouraged to monitor lake levels closely and adjust equipment as needed to prevent damage.
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