BPA's New Load and Resource Study Shows Energy Deficits Starting in 2027 and Growing Rapidly in Low Water Years

The Pacific Northwest will experience rapidly escalating energy deficits under low water conditions, according to the Bonneville Power Administration's latest Pacific Northwest Loads and Resources Study—commonly called the White Book—that was released Sept. 9. The study projects regional energy shortfalls beginning in 2027 and steadily climbing before reaching 2,738 MW by 2034. The study highlights the need for new long-term energy resources to meet load growth in the region, and the pressures facing hydropower as climate conditions change.