Alabama Power’s Lay Dam is one of four hydroelectric facilities that recently have been inducted into the Hydro Hall of Fame, which recognizes plants that have been in service for 100 years or more.
Captain William Patrick Lay organized Alabama Power in 1906 and received authorization from Congress to construct the company’s first dam and electric generating plant on the Coosa River. In 1929, the dam was named after Lay in recognition of his service to the company and public.
Lisa Martindale, Alabama Power Reservoir Management manager, said it is an honor for Lay to be included in the Hall of Fame.
“I began my hydro career at Lay Dam as plant superintendent and it is still a great place to work,” Martindale said while accepting the award.
Although the plant is more than 100 years old, continuing modernization efforts across the Southern Company hydro fleet, including upgrading the turbines and renovating other plant equipment, ensures customers will continue to receive safe and reliable power.
“We’re proud to be recognized for our longstanding commitment to clean, renewable energy,” Martindale added. “Our company was founded on hydropower and, with our current modernization efforts, we’re making the investments needed to make certain hydro is part of our energy mix for years to come.”
The Hydro Hall of Fame recognizes extraordinary achievement, with an emphasis on long-lasting facilities. Since 1995, 60 legacy hydropower plants have been inducted. Together, this prestigious group demonstrates the significant contributions of hydroelectric plants, including producing clean renewable power, emission-free generation and reliability.
This year’s other inductees were Alvkarleby, in Sweden; Silversmith Generating Station, British Columbia, Canada; and Wissota Hydro Project in Wisconsin.
Typically, the Hydro Hall of Fame awards are presented during the Hydrovision International event. Due to COVID-19, the awards were first postponed and then presented virtually.
