Hydroelectric
Power Station of Rasgao
The strong and long-lasting dryness during the first half
of the 20's, forced the company Light to ration the energy supply and to buy,
paying very high prices, the energy generated by other companies This resulted
in the Canadian company deciding about the construction of an hydroelectric
power station. They chose the curve of the Tietê River, in Pirapora
do Bom
Jesus, where, nearly two centuries ago, the river was teared in order to deviate
its water from its original course, to serve the unsuccessful searches for gold.
Notwithstanding the difficulties encountered for its construction, the first
generator unit started its operation on September 6, 1925. It worked until 1961,
when the infiltration of water through the channel caused its deactivation.
In 1989 its structured was recuperated and the power station returned to the
EMAE's energy generating system. This power station has two generator units
with Francis type turbines, with a vertical axle, with an installed capability
of generating 22 MW, whirling rate of flow of 130 cubic meters/s, and a nominal
difference of levels of 22 meters.
