Approximately a year ago, Bonneville Power Administration Administrator Judi Johansen met with the Council to share her concerns about the evolving power supply situation in the Northwest. She cited Bonneville’s annual White Book analysis, which showed that in the 2000-2001 operating year, 80 percent of the Septembers (out of the historical record of 50 water years) show deficits. The average energy deficit in those years is equal to almost 2,500 average megawatts. Similarly, 36 percent of the Februarys show energy deficits that average 3,800 average megawatts. Problems in meeting the 50-hour sustained peak were also identified. Most of the supply-demand imbalance occurs on non-federal systems. Ms. Johansen noted the relative lack of new power plant construction taking place in the Northwest and questioned whether the competitive generation market would result in sufficient new development in the near term to avoid power supply problems. She encouraged the Council to undertake a review of the issue.
Also see Appendices: Data and Assumptions
