The Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) has announced that the Pacific Northwest’s utilities and industries committed to reducing electrical demand by a total of 2,277 MW, which helped to avoid a potential 250% rate hike. Because of this demand reduction, BPA will instead increase its rates by 46% as of October 1. A drought in the Pacific Northwest has led to limited hydroelectric resources.

Publication date: 08/20/2001