|
|
||||
|
Learn More
FEDERAL HYDRO POWER JUNE 1994 Background
The Federal hydro power program in the Western U. S. evolved out of the development of dams along the major rivers. These were multi-purpose projects which encouraged water conservation, aided the administration of water compacts, provided water for irrigation, provided recreational opportunities, improved flood control, improved navigation, and provided an opportunity for the generation of electricity from a renewable resource. The construction of these projects started in the 1930's and most were completed by the mid 1960's. The power from these projects was marketed to preference customers including municipal electric systems.
Discussion
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR): The USBR was created within the Department of Interior to design and construct the water projects in the west while the Corps of Engineers designed and built most of the projects in the east. The USBR also operates and maintains the hydroelectric facilities.
Western Area Power Administration (WAPA): WAPA was created as one of five power marketing administrations (PMAs) of the Department of Energy in 1977. WAPA's purpose is to market the federal hydro power generated by the USBR and to operate and maintain the transmission system to deliver the power to the customers. WAPA operates over 1,600 miles of transmission lines in 15 western states. WAPA is divided into five areas: Billings, Loveland, Salt Lake, Boulder, and Sacramento. Most of the Colorado municipal systems purchase power from either the Loveland Area or the Salt Lake Area or both.
Salt Lake Integrated Projects: The Salt Lake Area Office markets power from the Colorado River Storage Project (CRSP), the Colbran Project, and the Rio Grande Project. These projects are collectively referred to as the Salt Lake Integrated Projects (SLIP). Over 70% of the SLIP power come from the generators at Glen Canyon Dam. SLIP power is sold to preference customers in Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming.
Loveland Area Projects: The Loveland Area Office markets power from the Western Division of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Project, the Frying Pan-Arkansas Project and several small participating projects including the Colorado Big Thompson Project. LAP power is sold to preference customers in Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Utah.
Source: Colorado Association of Municipal Utilities (CAMU)
Who we are | Daily Load (password needed) | OASIS
Jobs | Contact us | Pressroom | Energy Tips | Learn More
Energy Sources | Finance | Products and ServicesQuestions? Contact the Webmaster - webmaster@prpa.org
Copyright © 1998-2007 by Platte River Power Authority. All rights reserved.