Daysmill Hydropower Project Update: Progress on Kennebunk River

Strategic Insights -

Work continues on the Daysmill Hydropower Project, a hydroelectric facility located on the Kennebunk River in Maine. The project aims to harness the river's energy to generate power for the local utility, Kennebunk Light and Power. Recent updates from James Quincy, the project owner, highlight significant progress on various aspects of the project.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mechanical work on Turbine 1 and Generator is completed, and mounting of hydraulic pistons on gantries and installation of trash racks are underway.
  • Restoration of deteriorated concrete around the Penstock Inlet Gate and Lower Outlet Gate was completed in late Autumn-2024.
  • Two new gates for the penstock and the lower level outlet have been installed, and electrical wiring connections from the generators to the control panel and from the control panel to the Utility service are being completed.
  • The control panel is being installed, and testing of the closing of the gates during a power failure will be conducted.
  • A 12V battery is being connected for backup to close the Penstock Gate in case of power failure.
  • Site reports indicate that the dam has held solid, and gates were replaced in 2024, and there have been no other permanent changes made to the damsite.

Statistics:

  • 60 cfs (average) is the normal river flow during the average period.
  • During the current drought, the gates are cracked open to direct as much flow as possible down the River.
  • The project is expected to generate power for Kennebunk Light and Power.
  • The impoundment above the dam and the river are shallow, and there aren't people living in close proximity of the dam or river.

Sources:

  • Quincy, J. (2025, Document submitted to FERC).
  • Quincy, J. (2025, Southeastern Maine project updates to FERC).
  • Manual of hydroelectric technological improvements (Source).
  • Rationale for Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
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Note: FERC refers to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and CC refers to carbon copy.

Note to the user, additional statistics might be hidden in the report, Document can be viewed at this link: https://elibrary.ferc.gov