Upper American River Project (UARP)

Our 688 megawatt hydroelectric system in the Sierras west of Lake Tahoe is SMUD’s most reliable and economical energy source.  An emission-free system of dams, reservoirs, and powerhouses, it helps us meet the high demand for electricity in summer months.

Planning for the Upper American River Project (UARP) began in the 1920’s.  In 1957, the Federal Power Commission (now the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) gave the go-ahead to build the system and granted SMUD a 50-year license to operate it on federal land.  A 50-year license renewal was granted in July 2014.

Three facilities in the UARP system qualify as renewable generation sources: Robb’s Peak Powerhouse, Jones Fork Powerhouse, and Slab Creek Powerhouse.