The Energy Information Administration (EIA) confirmed on Thursday its decision to slash its forecast for hydropower generation in the U.S. for 2023. This comes after warmer weather than expected led to reduced water supply.
In May, the Northwest United States experienced higher temperatures than expected which melted snow rapidly and also significantly slashed the region’s water supply. With the Northwest accounting for approximately half of the United States’ total hydropower production, this phenomenon greatly affected total generation across the U.S.
“With less water available, the region generated 24% less hydropower in the first half of this year than during the same period in 2022,” the EIA noted. Over the course of the entire year, the EIA expects 19% less hydropower generation in the Northwest compared to last year.