Hydropower plays a crucial role in keeping energy rates affordable in the Northwest. Thanks to a steady supply of precipitation in our region, we have an excellent source of reliable energy from our dams. Additionally, these facilities were established decades ago and are cost-effective to maintain and upgrade when compared to building new resources. This is especially important as many states and communities in the Northwest work to meet clean energy mandates and aggressive decarbonization goals.

This lower-cost energy is supplied in large part by federal agencies to not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that prioritize maintaining the most affordable, cost-based rates for their customers. Hydropower is the main reason that millions of Northwest electricity customers enjoy the lowest rates in the nation.