Woodstave Penstock

We're excited to announce that the Woodstave Penstock Replacement Project is now complete, marking a significant upgrade to Rapid City's hydroelectric power system. This crucial project involved replacing the original woodstave penstocks—the traditional way water was carried from a water source to our power plants—with modern, more efficient materials. We've swapped out two old woodstave penstocks for durable high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes, ensuring a more reliable and efficient flow of water for power generation.Beyond the pipe replacement, we also made important improvements to the penstock drain system, installed new fencing and gates for enhanced safety, and safely abandoned the two original 42-inch woodstave penstocks. This completed project underscores our commitment to maintaining a robust and efficient hydroelectric power supply for our community here in Rapid City.