NATIONAL HYDROPOWER ASSOCIATION
US Energy Secretary Highlights Hydropower Value at Ice Harbor Dam

Yesterday (Dec 7), as part of a wider Pacific Northwest visit, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright stopped by Ice Harbor Dam, where he extolled the value of #hydropower, saying "Dispatchable power that is there when you need it is high-value power."

The Secretary's visit comes at a time when Americans are struggling with rising electricity rates and growing energy demand. #Hydro, which is the foundation of renewable energy generation in the PNW, was singled-out by the Secretary, "Hydropower is the reason that Northwest electricity prices are below the national average."

Hydropower, which accounts for 59% of total electricity net generation in Washington, 44% in Idaho, and 41% in Oregon, is vital to the PNW's way of life, which makes the aligned announcement of Bonneville Power Administration's lifted hiring freeze that much more impactful, as BPA is looking to hire several hundred new positions needed to address the backlog of transmission and generation service requests - all further helping to reduce rates. During his remarks at the dam, Secretary Wright indicated that the administration is working towards fair and reasonable energy permitting processes, a critical point for hydro.

With half of the nonfederal fleet - responsible for 17 GW of flexible power - up for relicensing by 2035, NHA continues to advocate for permitting reform to ensure that hydro's baseload benefits are a key component in powering a nation hungry for reliable energy.