Koteshwar HEP, about 22 km downstream of Tehri Dam, is an integral part of Tehri Hydro Power Complex (2400 MW). It consists of a 97.5m high concrete gravity dam across river Bhagirathi at Koteshwar and a surface power house accommodating four conventional type (Francis) generating units of 100MW each on the right-bank. The dam is provided with spillway having 4 bays to pass the probable maximum flood (PMF) discharge of 13243 Cumecs. The overflow spillway and energy dissipation arrangement has been located centrally in the river course itself. The Koteshwar reservoir has live storage capacity of 35.0 MCM and functions as lower (balancing) reservoir for Tehri PSP.
Water released from Tehri Reservoir is regulated at Koteshwar HEP for maintaining continuous flow of water in the river downstream of Koteshwar for irrigation purpose and maintaining aquatic life as well as safety of population and pilgrims at places such as Deoprayag, Rishikesh and Haridwar. At least, one machine of KHEP runs continuously to help maintain continuous flow. KHEP is also facilitating the functioning of Tehri Hydro Power Complex as a major peaking station in the Northern Grid.
All four units (Unit-I to IV) were synchronized with the Northern Grid in Mar’ 2011, Mar’ 2011, Jan’ 2012 & Mar’ 2012 and are in commercial operation w.e.f. 1st Apr’ 2011, 26th Oct’ 2011, 13th Feb’ 2012 & 1st Apr’ 2012 respectively.
