May 3, 2002—This summer’s power output from Californias hydroelectric plants should approach 85 percent of normal, according to a recently released report by the California Energy Commission.
The Commission’s California Hydro-Electricity Outlook for 2002 report predicts that nearly 13 percent of California’s total electricity needs this summer can be met with power from its in-State dams and powerhouses. Last year, when electricity supplies were much tighter, hydro projects produced less than 10 percent of the state’s electricity.
The report acknowledges that this water year, which officially began on October 1, 2001, has been very dry in the southern part of the state. Southern California has received just 30 percent of its average rainfall. In the northern part of the state, however, where most of the hydroelectric generation occurs, precipitation has amounted to 100 percent of normal.
The vast majority of in-state hydroelectric generation depends on runoff in 13 rivers that flow into the Sacramento River, the San Joaquin River, and the Tulare Lake basin. Runoff totals in those watersheds are presently estimated to be 84 percent of normal.
After suffering drought emergencies last year, Washington has had near record precipitation amounts this season. As a result, more hydroelectric power should be available to California this summer from Washington and Oregon, further brightening the State’s power picture.
The report is based on hydrologic data and forecasts from the Department of Water Resources and confidential forecasts provided by some of the California utilities. April 1 is used as the yearly benchmark date, since on average 82 percent of the State’s precipitation arrives by that date.
For more information, contact the California Energy Commission.
