History of the Hydro-Electric Plant

The Gonzales dam on the Guadalupe River is essential for flood control and water recreation. It also contains a functioning hydroelectric plant. The power house was built in 1925. The dam itself is older, dating back to the teens. The plant produces an average of 1.1 megawatts, which makes up about one sixth of Gonzales’ power supply. The rest is purchased from the LCRA (Lower Colorado River Authority). CP&L (Central Power and Light) owned the plant until 1965. The city of Gonzales obtained a license to operate it in 1980. Though the Gonzales hydroelectric plant doesn’t have a huge output, it is helpful. “It helps when we’re in load management, when there’s a lot of demand,” said Marek. “It just gives us a little extra we don’t have to buy from the LCRA.