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Hydropower Rate Reduction for Customers Affected by Western Drought Shortfalls.

This Act mandates the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) to reduce electricity rates for customers of specific federal hydropower projects when drought causes generation shortfalls. If energy production drops below set thresholds, WAPA must lower monthly invoices by excluding costs unrelated to power production. This measure aims to provide financial relief to customers facing reduced hydropower availability, but the provisions are temporary, expiring at the end of 2031.
Key points
Mandatory Rate Reductions: Customers of key projects (like Boulder Canyon and Salt Lake City Area Integrated Projects) will see reduced rates if annual energy production falls below specific MWh thresholds due to drought.
Exclusion of Non-Power Costs: Rate reductions are achieved by excluding costs not strictly necessary for, or related to, hydropower production from repayment studies, easing the financial burden on customers.
Temporary Relief: The rate reduction mechanism is set to cease effectiveness on December 31, 2031, and does not authorize new funding or affect existing water rights.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_3581
Sponsor: Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ]
Process start date: 2024-01-11