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Analysis shows adequate electricity supply in the Northwest
October 17, 2006
The Pacific Northwest has an ample supply of electricity for the coming winter months, according to an analysis (see 1-page synopsis) by the Council. In fact, the supply is adequate for the next four of five years, given current predictions of demand for power.
Currently, the power supply is about 2,400 megawatts in excess of average annual demand. By way of comparison, that is about twice as much electricity as the city of Seattle consumes in a year.
The analysis shows that since 1999, when the Northwest had a power deficit of about 4,000 megawatts, demand for power has declined about 10 percent and the power supply has grown by about 15 percent, the analysis shows. Demand decreased because some large industries, particularly aluminum plants, have reduced production. Also, the regional economy still has not fully recovered from the energy crisis of 2000 and 2001, when a short supply — in part caused by a drought in the hydropower-dominated Northwest — combined with regulatory problems in California to drive up prices significantly.
The current situation is far better. According to the Council’s analysis, the power supply currently is 41 percent above average winter demand, and 28 percent above average summer demand.
Forecasts for snowpack and river flows for 2007 will not be available until late December, but the Northwest is well above regional targets for power supply adequacy. In short, there should be no power-supply problem in the event of extreme cold or heat in 2007.
Contacts:
- , Chair, 509-623-4386
- , Information Officer, 503-222-5161