Claytor Hydroelectric Project

The Claytor Hydroelectric Project, owned and operated by Appalachian Power Company, is licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as Project No. 739. Appalachian is one of a number of operating utility companies that comprise the integrated American Electric Power (AEP) system. Appalachian has filed in its respective states to do business as American Electric Power.  The Claytor Project, built in 1939, is located in southwestern Virginia on the New River in Pulaski County. The Project is operated to generate electricity, which is merged with power being generated at Appalachian's other hydro and gas and coal-fired power plants in Virginia and West Virginia. The power generated by Appalachian helps meet the electricity needs of millions of people in seven states from Virginia to Michigan.  Hydro generation at the Project avoids carbon emissions from fossil fuel generation. Because water at the Project is replenished by hydrologic cycle and is essentially infinite, hydropower is renewable. Additionally, the Project's operational flexibility, specifically its load-following and peaking capabilities help maintain the stability of the electric grid.