[1] The privately owned Tasmanian Hydro-Electric Power and Metallurgical Co. (HEPMCo) first took a serious interest in generating hydro-electric power from one of Tasmania's highland rivers in late 1909, to provide power for James Hyndes Gillies' newly patented electrolytic process for zinc refining, and a "carbide" smelter to be constructed near Snug.

They resolved to construct a hydro-electric power plant in the valley of the Ouse River, above the town that bears that name.

The works were completed under Hydro-Electric Department ownership in 1915, and the plant was officially opened in 1916.

The new plant was referred to as Waddamana B, and it generated 48 megawatts (64,000 hp) of electricity from four turbines.

Waddamana A now has a new life as a museum filled with original equipment and other displays, including the Control room switchboard from the Shannon Power Station.