Where is Hiwassee Dam?

In Cherokee County, North Carolina (NC). 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 Hiwassee Dam?

166 MW of nameplate capacity across 2 units, as of the EIA-860M release for 2026-07.

Who owns Hiwassee Dam?

EIA-860M names Tennessee Valley Authority 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 Hiwassee Dam LLC?

Probably, but EIA-860M does not say. The survey records a plant name and a reporting entity — Tennessee Valley Authority 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 "Hiwassee Dam LLC" usually means this site. This page shows only what EIA files, and does not assert a corporate structure it cannot see.

Is Hiwassee Dam still running?

EIA-860M files it as "Operating" for 2026-07. Statuses change monthly, and this page follows the monthly release.

Hiwassee Dam

Hiwassee Dam is a 166 MW pumped storage hydro plant in Cherokee County, North Carolina, operated by Tennessee Valley Authority. EIA-860M lists 2 generating units here. Its units entered service between 1940 and 1956.

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: 165.6 MW; 173.7 MW net summer
Generating units: 2
In service: 1940–1956
EIA plant ID: 2780

Where it is

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County: Cherokee County, North Carolina
Coordinates: 35.1509, -84.1775
Balancing authority: TVA
Sector: Electric Utility

Units, technology and status

Operator of record: Tennessee Valley Authority
Primary energy source: Pumped storage
Technologies: Conventional Hydroelectric, Hydroelectric Pumped Storage
Status: Operating

This site runs on more than one energy source. EIA-860M capacity splits: Pumped storage 95 MW, Hydro 71 MW. It is filed here under Pumped storage, the source with the most capacity.

Every plant Tennessee Valley Authority reports to EIA →

Hiwassee Dam: FAQ

Where is Hiwassee Dam?: In Cherokee County, North Carolina (NC). 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 Hiwassee Dam?: 166 MW of nameplate capacity across 2 units, as of the EIA-860M release for 2026-07.
Who owns Hiwassee Dam?: EIA-860M names Tennessee Valley Authority 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 Hiwassee Dam LLC?: Probably, but EIA-860M does not say. The survey records a plant name and a reporting entity — Tennessee Valley Authority 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 "Hiwassee Dam LLC" usually means this site. This page shows only what EIA files, and does not assert a corporate structure it cannot see.
Is Hiwassee Dam still running?: EIA-860M files it as "Operating" for 2026-07. Statuses change monthly, and this page follows the monthly release.