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Hydropower Overview

In 2008, net generation of hydropower was 255 million megawatt hours. According to the Energy Information Administration, this generation accounted for approximately 6 percent of the nation's net generation last year. As illustrated in the graph below, hydropower represents a smaller slice of the national energy mix than it does in the Northwest. Nationally, coal still generates approximately 48 percent of the nation's electricity.  

Figure ES 1. US Electric Power Industry Net Generation 2008

Sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Form EIA-923, "Power Plant Operations Report."

While hydropower may represent a relatively small percentage of generation on a national level, the generation mix at the regional level is very different. In the states represented by the Northwest Hydroelectric Association (California, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana), hydropower provided 41% of the electric generation mix in 2008.While hydropower may represent a relatively small percentage of generation on a national level, the generation mix at the regional level is very different. In the states represented by the Northwest Hydroelectric Association (California, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana), hydropower provided 41% of the electric generation mix in 2008.

Electric Generation Mix Five State Total (WA, OR, CA, ID, MT)

Total 5 States: 419,138,842

Hydro Generation by State

• Map of Northwest Projects
• Map of Columbia River Basin Power System
• Map of Oregon Hydropower Projects by Region

Reliance on hydropower for electric generation is even more dramatic if viewed by individual state.  Washington, Oregon and Idaho all rely on hydropower as a source for the majority of their electric generation.  Note: This information represents electric generation, not electricity consumed. Consumption data by state will differ. 

Washington Electric Generation Mix, 2008

Washington Total: 419,138,842 MWhrs

Oregon Electric Generation Mix, 2008

Oregon Total: 58,718,438 MWhrs

California Electric Generation Mix, 2008

California Total: 207,984,263 MWhrs

Idaho Electric Generation Mix, 2008

Idaho Total: 11,970,553 MWhrs

Montana Electric Generation Mix, 2008

Montana Total: 29,637,137 MWhrs

For a detailed breakdown of state electricity profiles and source data for these graphs, see the go to the Energy Information Administration's website at: http://www.eia.doe.gov/fuelelectric.html

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