We were excited to start generating again on 23 September, but the record-breaking rainfall on that day meant we had to shut down again soon after. The Environment Agency had to open all the weirs to allow the high volume of water to pass downriver. This included the weir next to the hydro – so we had no water flowing through the turbine. We are now up and running again and fingers crossed for a good October.

More than 100 mm of rainfall in 24 hours was recorded at Osney Lock on 22/23 September. This contributed to September 2024 being the wettest month in Oxford for 250 years.

Osney Lock gets a mention in this BBC news item about the exceptional rainfall.

People are often surprised that we are not running when there is a lot of water coming downstream. Too much water in the river is as much of a problem for the hydro as too little.