Alabama Power’s Lay Dam is one of four hydroelectric facilities from across the globe that were recently inducted into the Hydro Hall of Fame, which recognizes plants that have been in service for 100 years or longer.

The plant was recognized last week in a special, virtual awards ceremony.

Lisa Martindale, Alabama Power Reservoir Management manager, said it is an honor for Lay to be included in the Hall of Fame.

“I began my hydro career at Lay Dam as plant superintendent and it is still a great place to work,” Martindale said while accepting the award.

Captain William Patrick Lay organized Alabama Power in 1906 and received authorization from Congress to build the company’s first dam and electric generating plant on the Coosa River. Construction began in 1910 and the plant started generating electricity in 1914. In 1929, the dam was named after Lay in recognition of his service to the company and public.

Alabama Power’s Lay Dam near Clanton has been a clean, reliable and continuous source of hydro power for Alabama for more than a century. (file)

Alabama Power’s Lay Dam near Clanton has been a clean, reliable and continuous source of hydro power for Alabama for more than a century. (file)

Alabama Power’s Lay Dam near Clanton has been a clean, reliable and continuous source of hydro power for Alabama for more than a century. (file)

Alabama Power’s Lay Dam near Clanton has been a clean, reliable and continuous source of hydro power for Alabama for more than a century. (file)

Alabama Power’s Lay Dam near Clanton has been a clean, reliable and continuous source of hydro power for Alabama for more than a century. (file)

Alabama Power’s Lay Dam near Clanton has been a clean, reliable and continuous source of hydro power for Alabama for more than a century. (file)

Alabama Power’s Lay Dam near Clanton has been a clean, reliable and continuous source of hydro power for Alabama for more than a century. (file)

Alabama Power’s Lay Dam near Clanton has been a clean, reliable and continuous source of hydro power for Alabama for more than a century. (file)

Alabama Power’s Lay Dam near Clanton has been a clean, reliable and continuous source of hydro power for Alabama for more than a century. (file)

Alabama Power’s Lay Dam near Clanton has been a clean, reliable and continuous source of hydro power for Alabama for more than a century. (file)

Alabama Power’s Lay Dam near Clanton has been a clean, reliable and continuous source of hydro power for Alabama for more than a century. (file)

Alabama Power’s Lay Dam near Clanton has been a clean, reliable and continuous source of hydro power for Alabama for more than a century. (file)

Lay Dam with some of its spillway gates open. (Dennis Washington / Alabama NewsCenter)

An archival photo shows the dedication of Lay Dam. (Alabama Power Company Archives)

Alabama Power’s Lay Dam near Clanton has been a clean, reliable and continuous source of hydro power for Alabama for more than a century. (file)

Although the plant is more than 100 years old, ongoing modernization efforts across the Alabama Power and parent Southern Company hydro fleet, including upgrading turbines and renovating other plant equipment, ensure customers continue to receive safe and reliable power.

“We’re proud to be recognized for our longstanding commitment to clean, renewable energy,” Martindale said. “Our company was founded on hydropower and, with our current modernization efforts, we’re making the investments needed to make certain hydro is part of our energy mix for years to come.”

The Hydro Hall of Fame recognizes extraordinary achievement, with an emphasis on long-lasting facilities. Since 1995, 60 legacy hydropower plants have been inducted. Together, this prestigious group demonstrates the significant contributions of hydroelectric plants, which produce reliable, emission-free, renewable power.

This year’s other inductees were Alvkarleby, in Sweden; Silversmith Generating Station, British Columbia, Canada; and the Wissota Hydro Project in Wisconsin.

Typically, the Hydro Hall of Fame awards are presented during the Hydrovision International event. Due to COVID-19, the awards were first postponed and then presented virtually.