Hoover Dam’s power output could drop 40% this year due to drought

Federal and state officials are scrambling to reduce water outflow from lakes in the Colorado River basin that flow downstream to the Hoover Dam, potentially reducing its power output by up to 40% by autumn, The Independent reports. Io Dodds writes that long term drought has already reduced the river system’s capacity to 36%. That, combined with historically low snowpack and hot spring temperatures, has driven the watershed to the brink. 

“Lake Mead reached a record low in 2022, but it's now predicted to fall more than 8 feet lower in the next two years, due in part to the flow reductions at Lake Powell. That will exacerbate an ongoing issue with Hoover Dam's 17 turbines. The lower waterline means that only five of them can currently generate power, and one of them is undergoing repairs. Less power from the dam will force Las Vegas and other areas that depend on it to buy electricity on the open market, often at a higher price,” The Independent reported.

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