The complex consists of Installed power is 386.4 MW, average annual production is 935 GWh.

The reservoir is used for annual discharge regulation, boosting energy production on lower hydroelectric stations on the Volga.

The reservoir is used for navigation ( it is the lowest stage of Volga–Baltic Waterway ) and flood control.

First turbines were started during the most difficult period of World War II, while thermal power plants suffered from lack of fuel.

The station building was incomplete at that moment, and worked under tarp tent as a roof.