The dam was funded in part by a $460 million World Bank loan which was approved on 8 June 1989 and covered the Mexico Hydroelectric Development Project which included the Aguamilpa Dam as well.

Beginning in 1994, the reservoir filled and the power station was operational by 1995.

[2][3] Approximately 3,000 people were displaced and resettled by the construction of both dams in the Mexico Hydroelectric Development Project.

The reservoir created by the dam has a capacity of 1,390,000,000 m3 (1,126,891 acre⋅ft) and surface area of 22.9 km2 (9 sq mi).

When both turbines are operating, the power station discharges a maximum of 59 m3/s (2,084 cu ft/s).