CHAPTER NINETEEN
Hydropower
Skip to Report
Exhibit 19-1
Schematic of a Hydroelectric Dam
A hydroelectric dam uses the force of the raised water level behind the dam; the water flows into an intake (called a penstock) down to the power house. There the water runs through a turbine, which operates a generator. The electricity from the generator flows out of the powerhouse into long distance transmission lines to join the supply on the electrical grid.
For more information on this exhibit, please contact the Comptroller’s Data Services Division at 512-463-4900 or at P.O. Box 13528, Austin, Texas 78711-3528.
Source: Tennessee Valley Authority.