It is the sixth stage of the Volga-Kama Cascade of dams, and the second of them by in terms of installed power quantum.

Lower hydroelectric stations are utilised more effectively because of seasonal and over-year regulation provided by the dam.

The idea of hydroelectric station on the Volga near Samara Bend was proposed by Gleb Krzhizhanovsky in 1910.

Ten years later K. V. Bogoyavlensky proposed a hydroelectric station near Perevoloki, utilizing naturally existing water level difference.

The main stream of the Volga was shut off in November of that year, and the first turbine was put under load on 29 December 1955.

During construction the main stream of the Volga was shut in record time – in 19.5 hours during the period of minimal discharge ( 3800 m³/s ).