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River Falls resident urges restoration of Powell Falls hydroelectric output
Summary
William Hansen told the Utility Advisory Board the Powell Falls wastegate opening in 2020 halted hydro production and has cost utility ratepayers an estimated multi‑million kilowatt‑hour loss, urging the board to weigh that loss when scheduling future shutdowns.
William Hansen, a River Falls resident who identified himself by name and address, used the public‑comment period to press the Utility Advisory Board to consider the lost renewable energy and ratepayer impact from a 2020 shutdown at Powell Falls Dam. "Since this arbitrary shutdown in 2020, the electric utility ratepayers have lost the benefit of over 3 million kW hours of renewable hydroelectricity," Hansen said, and warned the board that future shutdown timing at Junction Falls could cost "over 1.2 million kW hours of electricity per year."
Hansen framed the loss in historical context, comparing three floods and describing the June 29, 2020 event in River Falls as producing only minor damage to the Powell Falls Dam west wing but prompting an operational response. He said hydro production had resumed after the 2020 flood "at a rate of 50,000 kW per month" until an October 2020 directive opened the dam wastegate and stopped production.
Board members did not dispute the factual claims during the public comment period; staff later continued with the published agenda. The board did not take immediate action on Hansen's request during the meeting. The board will consider operational timing and related decisions in later agenda items and when the council addresses formal utility actions.
