Between 1951 and 1955, construction of the Ust-Ilimsk HPS was designated as a priority and in September 1960, the State Commission determined the most suitable spot for the dam.

This included preparing the dam's foundation, various construction facilities and 220 kV power lines.

By 1966, the Bratsk-Ust-Ilimsk motorway was opened to traffic and in March of that year, construction began on the actual power plant.

[3] On average, the station produces 21.7 billion kWh annually and utilizes its installed capacity for 5,050 hours out of 8,760 a year.

The power station is located on the right (east) bank and is 440 m (1,440 ft) long and houses 16 turbines with an installed capacity of 3,840 MW.