PAGE — Power output from Glen Canyon and Hoover dams fell to record lows this summer as prolonged drought drained the Colorado River’s biggest reservoirs, KJZZ reported, citing a federal report.
Between April and August, hydropower generation in the Southwest was 19% lower than the same period last year and nearly 30% below the 10-year average.
Hoover and Glen Canyon produce up to 90% of all hydropower from the Colorado River. Their output dropped as water levels at Lake Mead and Lake Powell also hit record lows this year.
Lake Powell’s elevation has gained recently but remains lower than a year ago.
This year is expected to have the lowest hydropower generation since at least 2016, with similar levels projected next year.
The federal agency said the current El Niño could bring some drought relief and a slight increase in hydropower. But it said fixing the region’s water shortage will take more than one wet year.
Hoover Dam’s power is shared by utilities in Arizona, Nevada and California, and Glen Canyon Dam near Page also serves customers across the region.
Sources: KJZZ. Thee Arizona Times uses AI-assisted reporting reviewed against the sources listed.
Photo: Vulturesong / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons.
