February 2009 Summary: The likelihood of a significant power shortage over the next five years due to an inadequate supply continues to be minimal. Based on the 2008 Assessment (330k Word) the region’s annual supply of energy from existing sources is projected to be about 1,900 average megawatts over the minimum adequacy threshold by 2013. Winter has typically been the period of greatest concern for the region, however, due to increasing air conditioning demands, reductions in hydroelectric capability and competition for West-wide supplies, summer months now show the narrowest gap between supply and demand. By 2013 summer surplus peaking capacity is projected to be 1,400 megawatts over the minimum threshold.

Although the risk of a major supply shortage is minimal, utilities are actively pursuing new resource and conservation acquisitions to meet their individual needs, to satisfy state mandated renewable resource requirements and to minimize dependence on market supplies. The Council is currently developing its Sixth Power Plan for the region, which will address these and other issues. The draft plan should be available in May of 2009 for public review and comment.