ROANOKE, Va., – Appalachian Power Company (APCo) will conduct a required test of its generating units at the Smith Mountain Project during the early evening hours of Monday, Aug. 17, 2026.
The test will temporarily lower water levels on Smith Mountain Lake by approximately one foot and raise water levels on Leesville Lake. The Smith Mountain Project includes both Smith Mountain Lake and Leesville Lake, and recreational and commercial users of the reservoirs and shoreline areas should be aware of changing water conditions during the testing period.
Recreational and commercial users of the reservoirs and shoreline areas should be aware of changing water conditions during the testing period.
Lake levels are expected to return to pre-test conditions Tuesday, Aug. 18.
The twice-yearly test is required by PJM Interconnection, the regional transmission organization responsible for coordinating the movement of wholesale electricity across 13 states, including Virginia. APCo worked proactively with PJM to help minimize impacts on residents and recreational users already affected by drought conditions while completing mandated capacity testing.
The company has also taken steps to prepare for the test and ensure no additional water is released beyond project boundaries.
Weather and other operational factors may result in adjustments to the test schedule. Lake users should check SmithMountainProject.com and the Smith Mountain Project Facebook Page for more information.