THE GCPSP AT A GLANCE
How It Works
- Renewable energy such as wind or solar is used to pump water uphill during times of low customer usage
- When electrical usage increases, or wind/solar production drops, water is released and runs downhill from the upper reservoir
- Water runs through the turbine, generating electricity
- Combining pumped storage hydro with intermittent renewable resources results in clean, dependable power supply.
BE PART OF THE PROCESS
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEETINGS AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
March 10, 2023
Public opportunity to comment on proposed land and wildlife studies closes on March 10, 2023.
April 2023
Join us to get project updates, learn about the 24 land, water and wildlife studies, and engage in the process! This meeting will offer an informal opportunity to hear about the studies and other important changes to the project.
Location: Platte, South Dakota
Meeting location and time - TBD
May 2023 - 2025
Studies on geological, soil and sediment, water and wildlife. Engineering and project design continues. Study evaluations.
2026 - 2027
Utility partners determine whether to move forward with the project based on study results.
Updates to plan and design.
2028
FERC issues final ruling / license for the GCPSP.
Detailed project design and development.
2029 - 2035
Construction of GCPSP.
2035
The GCPSP is operational, storing and generating renewable energy to meet regional demands.
OUR REGION’S GO-TO SOLUTION
Reliability
Pumped storage hydroelectricity is designed to supplement other renewable energy sources providing electric reliability to all customers across our region.
FOR A CLEANER, BRIGHTER FUTURE
RESPONSIBILITY
When used in conjunction with wind and solar power, the GCPSP acts as nature’s battery to offer a clean energy solution for our region.
STRENGTHENING ALL OF OUR COMMUNITIES
Regional Benefits
When built and fully operational, the GCPSP will deliver more than just energy to residents and communities throughout the region.
Jobs
The six-year project will create a variety of temporary job opportunities in the region; when completed, it will directly support 15 permanent FTE positions.
ECONOMIC GROWTH
Job opportunities will bring new residents to the region who will in turn spend money at local businesses and spur economic growth.
TAX REVENUE
Economic growth in the region will translate to increased tax revenue to support local schools, municipal projects and more.
CLEANER ENVIRONMENT
This regional project strengthens our efforts to be good stewards of the environment, preserving natural resources for future generations and decreasing dependence on fossil fuels.
Contact US
SHARED COMMITMENT TO THE REGION
PARTNERING FOR A STRONGER ENERGY FUTURE
Missouri River Energy Services
MRES is a joint action agency that provides electricity and other energy-related services to 61 municipal electric utilities in four states. We serve 18 municipal electric utilities in Iowa, 25 in Minnesota, 6 in North Dakota and 12 in South Dakota. Each of these members owns and operates its own municipal electric distribution system.
Midamerican Energy Company
MidAmerican Energy, headquartered in Des Moines, is a rate-regulated utility that provides reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible energy to 1.6 million customers in Iowa, Illinois, South Dakota and Nebraska.
