The complex consists of two dams and a power station in the Cerro Pelado Valley.

Aside from power generation, the complex also serves to control floods and provide municipal water.

The power station contains four 187.5 megawatts (251,400 hp) reversible Francis turbine-generators.

During periods of lower power demand such as at night, water is pumped with the same turbines back up to the upper reservoir for use in peak hours.

The difference in elevation between the two reservoirs affords a hydraulic head of 185 metres (607 ft).