In
its supplemental outlook, the EIA expects that the dip in
hydropower generation would lead to an 8% increase in
electricity generation from natural gas, an increase in
energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 6%, and a
roughly 5% increase in wholesale electricity prices throughout
the West, it said in a press release.
Earlier this month, California energy officials issued a sober
forecast for the state's electrical grid, saying it lacks
sufficient capacity to keep the lights on this summer and beyond
if heatwaves, wildfires or other extreme events take their toll.
California Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday warned he would order
strict cutbacks on water usage statewide if businesses and
residents did not slash their own consumption in the face of a
severe drought.
In April, the California Department of Water Resources (CDWR)
said statewide snowpack was just 38% of the average for this
time of year, following three straight months of record dry
conditions.
The EIA analyzed six of California's hydropower facilities,
representing 22% of the state's hydropower capacity. The entire
report is available on their website.
(Reporting by Seher Dareen in Bengaluru; Editing by Marguerita
Choy)
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