Too Much Power

High water levels are straining hydroelectric power generators in Oregon, where too much energy is being created.

1 minute read

June 29, 2008, 11:00 AM PDT

"A doubling of wind-power supplies and an unusually concentrated surge in water levels have challenged this season's power operations like never before."

"'You throw a spiky late runoff into the equation, and a little extra wind, and it definitely gets interesting,' said Kieran Connolly, a power manager for Bonneville Power Administration."

"The result: wasted power generation, excessive spill through the dams and a sometimes frenzied juggling of dam and transmission schedules."

"High water levels benefit power supplies and migrating fish, but the levels in recent weeks have been too much of a good thing."

FULL STORY: Extra water, wind strain Northwest power grid

Friday, June 27, 2008 in The Oregonian

Energy Infrastructure Oregon Water Hydroelectric Dams

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