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BPA says Low Snowpack Means Revenue Loss by Associated Press KOMO News, May 7, 2010

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Bonneville Power Administration says a low snowpack this year means less surplus power to put on the market - a projected $469 million worth.

BPA Administrator Steve Wright said in a statement Friday that they had hoped a wet spring would make up for the low snowpack, but that hasn't happened.

The federal power wholesaler says the El Nino weather pattern brought dry conditions to the Northwest this year. The hydroelectric dams feeding Bonneville don't store much water, and the water stored in the snowpack is vital to production.

Spokeswoman Katie Pruder-Scruggs says there is no danger of running out of wholesale power, but the reduction in surplus power means less revenue, which could translate into higher rates.