Hydropower

Hydropower remains a cornerstone of the United States’ clean energy portfolio, providing reliable, renewable electricity that supports grid stability and helps meet growing demand. However, recent environmental protections at Glen Canyon Dam have introduced bypass flows to protect native fish species, significantly reducing water available for power generation. This reduction in hydropower output directly translates to lost electricity, forcing utilities to purchase more expensive power from the open market particularly during peak demand seasons. These increased costs place pressure on both the energy system and consumers, as funds to cover these purchases come from the Basin Fund, which is financed by revenues from hydropower sales. The strain on hydropower not only threatens the financial health of this critical infrastructure but also raises concerns about energy reliability, especially as the nation integrates more intermittent renewables like solar and wind that require flexible backup power sources.

The broader implications extend beyond local or regional energy markets. Hydropower’s ability to ramp power production up or down quickly makes it a vital asset in balancing the grid and preventing outages, giving it a unique role amid a transition to cleaner energy. Limiting hydropower generation could increase reliance on fossil fuel plants, raising greenhouse gas emissions and slowing progress toward climate goals. Moreover, rising electricity costs driven by reduced hydropower availability can ripple across the economy, impacting industries, small businesses, and households. The legislation introduced to assess and mitigate these impacts reflects growing recognition that energy policy must carefully balance ecological conservation with the need for affordable, dependable power an issue that resonates nationally and even globally as countries work to secure sustainable energy futures in the face of climate change and evolving market demands.