Taum Sauk Energy Center
The Taum Sauk Energy Center is located approximately 120 miles southwest of St. Louis in the scenic Ozark highlands. It began operation in 1963. The upper reservoir was rebuilt in 2010.
This pumped storage facility is used for short periods when the demand for electricity is greatest. Water stored in the upper reservoir is released to flow through turbines and into a lower reservoir. As water passes through the powerhouse, it spins the turbines, which drive generators to produce electricity. Overnight, or when the demand for electricity is low, the water is pumped back into the upper reservoir, where it is stored until needed.
