Hydropower Plant Daily Operations Checklist
This hydropower plant daily operations checklist ensures compliance with FERC Order 693 (Bulk Electric System reliability), NERC standards for hydropower generation, NFPA 70E electrical safety, USACE (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) dam safety guidelines, and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 electric power generation safety. Designed for hydropower plant operators to systematically verify turbine-generator operations, dam integrity, and water management each shift.
- Industry: Renewable Energy
- Frequency: Daily
- Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
- Role: Hydropower Plant Operator / Plant Manager
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: FERC Order 693 Hydropower Reliability, USACE Dam Safety Program Engineering Guidelines, NERC Hydropower Generation Standards, NFPA 70E Electrical Safety in the Workplace, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 Electric Power Generation
Dam and Reservoir
Dam safety and water level monitoring per USACE.
- Reservoir elevation within authorized operating range?
- Spillway gates in correct position and responsive?
- Dam seepage within normal limits (measured at weirs)?
- No new cracking, settlement, or slope movement observed?
- Downstream channel clear of hazards?
Intake and Penstock
Water intake and penstock condition.
- Trash racks clear of debris?
- Intake gates operable and in correct position?
- No unusual penstock vibration or leakage?
- Forebay level normal?
- Trash Rack Photo
Turbine-Generator Units
Generating unit operational status.
- All online units operating within normal parameters?
- Turbine and generator vibration within alarm limits?
- All bearing temperatures within limits?
- Governor oil and bearing oil levels adequate?
- Current Plant Output (MW)
Electrical and Substation
Generator and substation electrical checks.
- Generator voltage and frequency within normal range?
- Step-up transformer temperature and oil level normal?
- No active protection relay alarms?
- Station auxiliary power normal?
- DC station battery bank voltage normal?
Environmental Compliance
FERC license and environmental monitoring.
- Minimum downstream flow (MFOR) being maintained?
- Dissolved oxygen levels within FERC license requirements?
- Fish ladder/passage facilities operational?
- No oil spills or environmental incidents?
- FERC reporting and license compliance current?
Shift Log and Handoff
Operator log and shift handoff.
- Operator shift log complete?
- Issues escalated to plant manager?
- Grid operator dispatch instructions followed?
- Incoming shift operator fully briefed?
- Shift Notes
Related Renewable Energy Checklists
- Hydropower Dam Safety Inspection Checklist
- Hydropower Turbine and Runner Inspection Checklist
- Hydropower Fish Passage and Aquatic Monitoring Checklist
- Hydropower Spillway Gate and Control System Checklist
- Geothermal Wellhead and Surface Equipment Checklist
- Biomass Boiler and Combustion System Inspection Checklist
- Wind Turbine Annual Preventive Maintenance Checklist
- Wind Turbine Icing and Cold Climate Operations Checklist
Related Hydro Checklists
- Hydropower Dam Safety Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Hydropower Turbine and Runner Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Hydropower Fish Passage and Aquatic Monitoring Checklist - FREE Download
- Hydropower Spillway Gate and Control System Checklist - FREE Download
- Hydropower Penstock Inspection and Maintenance Checklist - FREE Download
- Hydropower Emergency Reservoir Drawdown Checklist - FREE Download
- Hydropower Downstream Water Quality Monitoring Checklist - FREE Download
- Hydropower Environmental Compliance Monthly Checklist - FREE Download
- Hydropower Plant Electrical Maintenance Checklist - FREE Download
Why Use This Hydropower Plant Daily Operations Checklist?
This hydropower plant daily operations checklist helps renewable energy teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for hydropower plant operator / plant manager professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: daily.
Ensures compliance with FERC Order 693 Hydropower Reliability, USACE Dam Safety Program Engineering Guidelines, NERC Hydropower Generation Standards, NFPA 70E Electrical Safety in the Workplace, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 Electric Power Generation. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hydropower Plant Daily Operations Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Dam and Reservoir, Intake and Penstock, Turbine-Generator Units, Electrical and Substation, Environmental Compliance, Shift Log and Handoff. It is designed for renewable energy operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed daily. Each completion takes approximately 45-60 minutes.
Who should use this Hydropower Plant Daily Operations Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Hydropower Plant Operator / Plant Manager professionals in the renewable energy industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.