#56 Rocky River Pumped-storage Hydroelectric Plant
1927
Early example of the pumped-storage principle, at a power plant
The Connecticut Light & Power Company pioneered the use of pumped storage in the United States at this hydroelectric station. First operated in 1929, the Rocky River Plant had two reversible pumps that somewhat resemble large hydroelectric turbines. This permitted significant improvements in the system efficiency of the company's network of hydroelectric and thermal-electric power generating plants. Water is pumped uphill through a penstock and stored in Lake Candlewood. When demand reaches a peak, water is released through the same penstock, and the motors driving the pumps reverse to become generators to produce electricity. The original penstock, built in 1927, was restored in 1963.
Rocky River Plant
For More Information
Connecticut Light & Power
Rocky River Station
41 Park Lane Road
Hartford, CT 06101
Owner, if different than above
Northeast Utilities
Visiting Info
By appointment only
Ceremony Notes
September 1980