Solar Growth Cushions Colorado River Hydropower Declines
Hydropower output at Hoover Dam has decreased by about half since 2000 due to drought, with Lakes Mead and Powell approaching critical thresholds.
Utilities that receive federal hydropower from Colorado River dams are turning to solar power as a result.
Their purpose that day was to decide whether the state should extend a longstanding drought emergency declaration.
- Minimal precipitation
- Low reservoirs
- The second-hottest 12-month period on record
Arizona officials are assessing water policies under rising temperatures, with solar power helping to cushion the decline in hydropower output.
Author's summary: Solar power helps offset decline in Colorado River hydropower.