Hydropower Generation in the West Set to Recover Despite Snow Drought
Hydropower Generation in the West Set to Recover Despite Snow Drought
US · Published Apr 19, 2026
The EIA forecasts a 5% increase in U.S. hydropower generation by 2026 despite snow drought conditions.
Northwest and Rockies regions are expected to see a 17% increase in hydropower output compared to
California's hydropower generation is projected to be 15% above its 10-year average, despite lower snowpack.
Hydropower to increase despite snow drought conditions
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects a 5% increase in U.S. hydropower generation by 2026, despite ongoing snow drought conditions in several western states. The April Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO) anticipates a total generation of 259 billion kilowatt-hours (BkWh), which is 1.8% below the 10-year average.
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