Low water years can put pressure on power costs, but it’s not a direct one-to-one impact on member rates. When river flows are low, hydroelectric generation is reduced, and BPA, our primary power supplier for non-industrial members, may need to rely on alternative power sources often at higher costs.
These combined factors can increase BPA’s costs, which can impact UEC’s rates. A single low-water year may present manageable impacts, but an extended pattern of consecutive low-water years can create more significant and long-term operational and resource challenges. Any potential impact to member rates depends on a range of variables, and we work to manage those costs as effectively as possible.