Cresta
Cresta is a 74 MW hydroelectric power plant in Butte County, California, operated by Pacific Gas & Electric Co.. EIA-860M lists 2 generating units here, inside CAISO. Its units entered service between 1949 and 1950.
As of 2026-07 (inventory dated 2026-07-31) · EIA-860M Preliminary Monthly Electric Generator Inventory · eia.gov/…/july_generator2026.xlsx · eia.gov/…/eia860m
- Nameplate capacity
- 73.8 MW
- 70 MW net summer
- Generating units
- 2
- In service
- 1949–1950
- EIA plant ID
- 231
Where it is
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- County
- Butte County, California
- Coordinates
- 39.8259, -121.4097
- Balancing authority
- CISO
- Sector
- Electric Utility
Units, technology and status
- Operator of record
- Pacific Gas & Electric Co.
- Primary energy source
- Hydro
- Technologies
- Conventional Hydroelectric
- Status
- Operating (1) · Out of service but expected to return to service in next calendar year (1)
Cresta: FAQ
- Where is Cresta?
- In Butte County, California (CA). The map on this page is placed at the coordinates EIA files for the plant, which locate the site rather than any individual unit.
- How big is Cresta?
- 74 MW of nameplate capacity across 2 units, as of the EIA-860M release for 2026-07.
- Who owns Cresta?
- EIA-860M names Pacific Gas & Electric Co. as the reporting entity. That is the operator of record on the survey, which is not always the ultimate owner.
- Is this the same as Cresta LLC?
- Probably, but EIA-860M does not say. The survey records a plant name and a reporting entity — Pacific Gas & Electric Co. here — not the project company that holds the asset. Project companies are commonly registered as an LLC carrying the plant's name, so a search for "Cresta LLC" usually means this site. This page shows only what EIA files, and does not assert a corporate structure it cannot see.
- Is Cresta still running?
- EIA-860M files it as "Operating" for 2026-07. Statuses change monthly, and this page follows the monthly release.