Maintaining Safety, Integrity at SCE’s Hydroelectric Operations

Southern California Edison ensures the safety of hydroelectric operations by addressing hazards before they happen.
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Stories : Safety

Maintaining Safety, Integrity at SCE’s Hydroelectric Operations

Southern California Edison ensures the safety of hydroelectric operations by addressing hazards before they happen.
Contributors
Photo Credit: Seth Carr

From the Sierra Nevada to the San Gabriel Mountains, Southern California Edison operates more than 30 hydroelectric power plants that harness natural water flows to generate clean and carbon-free energy. Hydroelectric power remains a valuable resource that helps SCE diversify its energy supply and advance the state’s clean energy transition.

Providing reliable hydroelectric power requires continuous maintenance of all its infrastructure: water conveyance systems, powerhouses, penstocks, all facilities and the dams that hold reservoirs in place. Every inch of every structure is carefully inspected to ensure their safety and integrity — and SCE’s teams of civil crews are tasked with doing just that.

“Our civil crews are the eyes and ears of our hydroelectric operations,” said Daniel Keverline, senior manager of SCE’s Southwest, Bishop and Mono Generation operations. “These crews monitor our flowlines and canals daily, completing public safety inspections and compliance checks.

SCE's civil crews removing tree debris from Bishop Basin.
SCE's civil crews removing tree debris from Bishop Basin.

SCE’s Generation operations include hydroelectric projects in Big Creek, the Bishop and Mono Basin, Kern River Canyon and LA Basin.

The civil crews are trained experts who can spot the smallest hazards before they develop. Roughly half of their work involves identifying issues that could affect the hydroelectric infrastructure; the other half involves addressing them before they do.

“Our civil crews know about carpentry, they can pour concrete, operate heavy equipment — anything related to the maintenance of our dams, they know how to do,” said Seth Carr, Generation supervisor of SCE’s Bishop and Mono Basin operations.

As the seasons shift, so do the civil crews’ priorities. In the winter, they shovel snow, creating safe access to the facilities. As spring transitions to summer, crews are focused on removing debris, ensuring the runoff flows smoothly.

SCE's civil crews identify issues that could affect the hydroelectric infrastructure and address them before they do.
SCE's civil crews identify issues that could affect the hydroelectric infrastructure and address them before they do.

“Once the runoff starts, we get a lot of sediment and tree debris coming down the Kern River,” said Ramon Anzaldo, Generation supervisor of SCE’s hydroelectric projects in the Kern River Canyon. “The civil crews help maintain access to our Kern and Kaweah facilities and the conveyance systems so the water can reach the powerhouses and we can generate energy as it flows down the river.”

The crews also contribute to wildfire prevention by completing inspections and partnering with SCE’s vegetation management team to check for hazards near structures.

As summer recreation ramps up, here are some tips to stay safe on the water:

Stay Safe Near Dams

  • Obey all signage.
  • Never swim near a dam or dive from a dam structure. Dangerous currents can pull you through the dam or against flow structures.
  • Never fish, boat or swim immediately below a dam because water levels and flow can change quickly.
  • Never moor, tie or anchor your boat immediately below a dam.
  • Keep personal watercraft and boats clear of dams.
  • Stay outside of boomed areas.
  • Stay away from areas that may flood because of dam operations.
  • Never get into a water canal or flume. They have steep, slippery sides and icy cold water and it can be very difficult to get out of one. Stay off walkways next to flumes and canals.

Lake and River Safety

  • Check water levels before jumping into lakes and rivers.
  • Watch for signs of rising, swift and cold water.
  • If flows in the creek or river are rising, find high ground. Do not attempt to walk or drive through flowing water.
  • Pay attention to signs identifying areas that the public should not access and, in some places, early-warning sirens that alert the public to move to high ground.
  • Research the areas where you plan to visit. Be aware of your swimming and paddling abilities relative to conditions and types of currents. For more info, visit americanwhitewater.org, paddling.com, paddlewise.org.


Learn more about National Dam Safety Awareness Day, May 31.