The Wells Hydroelectric Project is operated by Douglas County PUD. As of 2026 we receive 10.45% of the output of Wells Dam through a long-term power purchasing agreement. This percentage will be adjusted upward on an annual basis through 2048. Wells began its first commercial generation in August 1967, under a 50-year license that was issued in 1963.
Because power generated from Wells Dam is reliant on water conditions, this is a variable source of energy. In a typical year, we receive up to 65 megawatts of power from Wells Dam. As we experienced in 2001, drought conditions can jeopardize the production from this power source. For this reason, your PUD is always looking for alternatives such as wind-powered generation and enhanced BPA contracts to ensure an uninterrupted supply of power to our customers.
Read more about Wells Dam and Douglas PUD.