The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) constructed, operates and maintains the federal Central Valley Project (CVP), which consists of 11 power plants at federal multi-purpose projects with a combined generating capacity of more than 2,000 MW.  The Western Area Power Administration (Western) owns almost 900 miles of high-voltage transmission lines that deliver power from the federal dams to Western’s customers.  The costs of constructing, operating and maintaining the CVP system are repaid – in full and with interest – by the CVP customers.  CVP power, on average, meets more than 30% of the Northern California Power Agency (NCPA) member communities’ energy needs.  Because the CVP generates power that is a vital component of the overall resource mix of communities and districts throughout California, the allocation of new costs to CVP customers can have a significant impact on local economies and electricity ratepayers.

The CVP serves farms, homes, and industry in California’s Central Valley as well as major urban centers in the San Francisco Bay Area; it is also the primary source of water for much of California’s wetlands.  In addition to delivering water for farms, homes, factories, and the environment, the CVP produces electric power and provides flood protection, navigation, recreation, and water quality benefits.

The CVP plays a key role in California’s powerful economy, providing water for 6 of the top 10 agricultural counties in the nation’s leading farm state.  It has been estimated that the value of crops and related service industries has returned 100 times Congress’ $3 billion investment in CVP.

CVP Schematic Maps:

• WAPA Schematic
• Bureau of Reclamation Schematic