Interlakes

The Interlakes hydroelectric facility is located in Kananaskis, Alberta. The plant is one of TransAlta's four hydro plants on the Kananaskis System, which is part of the Bow River Electric System.

The facility is one of TransAlta's smallest power plants, with only a five-megawatt capacity. It is used primarily to provide electricity during periods of peak electrical demand in winter.

Interlakes provides water storage on Upper Kananaskis Lake and generates power from the head between the Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes. The head is the vertical distance the water falls to the turbines, which rotate to create an electric current.

Each year, Interlakes generates an average of 8,500 megawatt-hours.

TransAlta's hydroelectric plants, like Interlakes, primarily provide electricity during periods of peak electrical demand and ensure system stability. Their operating flexibility means they can start quickly to introduce hydro power within minutes, balancing out shortages due to unexpected outages, or providing power at times of high demand.

Environmental highlights

Protection of the environment is an important part of our hydro power business, as is responsible water use. We continually work with environmental and community groups to ensure habitats are protected, and that all users' needs are heard.

The Interlakes hydroelectric facility has a UL ECOLOGO® Certification for Renewable Energy.