The Hydropower of Niagara Falls

Did you know that Niagara Falls is the largest electricity provider in New York State? Find out more about how this natural wonder became a powerhouse of AC electricity, from the history of the Niagara Falls power plants to today's hydroelectric wonders.

Niagara Falls and electricity have gone hand in hand since Nikola Tesla masterminded the harnessing of electricity from the Falls in the late 1890s. Since then, thanks to the construction of multiple power plants, Niagara Falls has been generating millions of kilowatts of electricity per year.

When Niagara Falls’ first power plant came online on Nov. 18, 1896, Tesla ushered in a new era for the natural wonder as a leading electric producer. Within several years, the Falls were able to power the elevated railways and streetlights of New York City. The alternating current Tesla discovered, in direct competition to Thomas Edison's direct current system, still powers homes and offices all over New York State today.

Niagara Falls' history of harnessing hydropower

The 3,160 tons of water that flow over Niagara Falls every second generate millions of kilowatts of hydroelectric power for both the U.S. and Canadian sides. By the mid-20th century, the U.S. government recognized this tremendous source of power and the New York Power Authority set out to harness it.

In 1961, the Niagara Power Project was the largest hydropower facility in the western world, praised by President John F. Kennedy as "an example to the world.” It is currently New York State's biggest electricity producer, providing up to 2.6 million kilowatts of clean electricity per year.

The Project includes the Robert Moses Niagara Hydroelectric Power Station in Lewiston, located 4.5 miles downstream from Niagara Falls. This power generating station diverts water from the Niagara River and returns the water into the lower river near Lake Ontario. Releasing the water from the reservoirs is what generates the power to create electricity. Just between the Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant and the Lewiston Pump Generating Plant, there are a combined 25 turbines being spun by almost 750,000 gallons of water per second.

Experience the power yourself

The Niagara Power Vista is a state-of-the-art facility and family-friendly space where you can learn about Niagara Falls' electricity generation through free exhibits, interactive gaming adventures and immersive theatre experiences. Science and history come alive with activities like designing your own dam to virtual reality rides through spinning turbines and zipping power lines. No wonder over 7 million visitors have named it a USA Today “10 Best in Niagara” attraction.

The next time you visit Niagara Falls, think about all the houses, buildings and bulbs that are powered by the rushing water. It’s electrifying!

Niagara Falls is currently New York State's biggest electricity producer, providing up to 2.6 million kilowatts of clean electricity per year.

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