HYDRO-ELECTRIC AND UTILTITY

DAM REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES

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Hydroelectricity is the term referring to electricity generated by hydropower; the production of electrical power through the use of the gravitational force of falling or flowing water. It is the most widely used form of renewable energy, accounting for 16 percent of global electricity generation – 3,427 terawatt-hours of electricity production in 2010 and is expected to increase about 3.1% each year for the next 25 years.

Knowles Industrial's work in the hydroelectric and utility markets came about at the Company’s inception due to a natural and unique alignment of our core services with the repair needs of that industry. For nearly 50 years, Knowles has been providing dam construction and maintenance services, as well as construction and maintenance for other water control structures and power houses. During this time, Knowles has developed a common sense approach that provides a perfect balance between economy and repair longevity.

The combination of a severe environment for concrete and the aging nature of the northeast hydro assets has created a demand for our grouting and concrete restoration services on an annual basis for 60 years. We regularly supply crews, equipment and engineering expertise to hydroelectric owners throughout New England and have maintenance service agreements in place with many. We also service the nuclear power industry and have the policies, procedures and special training already in place to operate in these demanding markets.

Hydro owners have a unique set of special challenges. Our depth of resources and ability to adapt quickly to changes allows us to excel in their industry and address all challenges in a safe and productive manner.

We provide all repair services for all types of damaged concrete on:

  • Spillways / crests

  • Piers / nosing

  • Slabs/decks

  • Surge tank / penstock

  • Buttress walls

  • Retaining walls

  • Powerhouse substructure

  • Gen. bldg. concrete

  • Sluiceways/fish ways

  • Tailraces

  • Gate painting/lead abatement

  • Short repair windows

  • Mandated repair guidelines by licensing agencies

  • Ever-tightening of budgets to maintain the assets

  • Unexpected high water/ weather

  • Tough environmental guidelines

  • Recreation/ public awareness

  • Migratory wildlife/conservation

Here are some of the energy producers we serve on a regular basis:

  • Algonquin Power Systems

  • Bangor Hydro-Electric

  • Brookfield Power

  • Central Maine Power

  • Connecticut Light and Power

  • Consolidated Edison

  • Essential Power

  • Enel North America

  • Essex Hydro

  • Firstlight Power

  • GDF Suez

  • Kennebunk Light & Power

  • Lockhart Power

  • Northeast Utilities

  • NRG Energy

  • Ocean State Power

  • Public Service of New Hampshire

  • TransCanada

  • US Generating

  • Western Mass Electric