Drought reduced California's hydropower production in recent years
5/13/2023 1:33:58 AM
CATEGORIES:
Energy
Water Supply & Quality
AFFECTED AREAS:
California
Alpine County, CA
Amador County, CA
Calaveras County, CA
El Dorado County, CA
Fresno County, CA
Kern County, CA
Madera County, CA
Mariposa County, CA
Mono County, CA
Nevada County, CA
Placer County, CA
Plumas County, CA
Sierra County, CA
Tulare County, CA
Tuolumne County, CA
Start Date: 5/9/2023
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California’s massive snowpack and improved reservoir levels meant that the state can count on plenty of clean, cheap hydroelectricity for the present. During drought, less electricity is produced from hydropower generation, forcing reliance on other sources, such as natural gas.
The percentage of electric generation in California by hydroelectric in 2019 was 19.2%, in 2020 was 11.2%, and in 2021 was 7.5%.
The Mercury News (San Jose, Calif.), May 9, 2023
Sources
