Southwest hydropower output drops to record low amid prolonged drought

Hydropower generation in the Colorado River Basin fell 19% year-over-year and 28% below the decade average from April through August, pressuring regional electricity supplies as drought persists.

First covered Nov 13, 2026 · 6:00 AM PT · 1 article

Southwest hydropower output drops to record low amid prolonged drought — Image via eia.gov

Coverage

1h EIA Today in Energy Hydropower generation in the Southwest fell to record lows this summer — Prolonged drought conditions affecting the Colorado River Basin led to record low hydropower generation this summer in the Southwestern electricity supply…

Primary sources

doi.gov Interior Department Finalizes Plans for 2027-2028 Colorado River Operations | U.S. Department of the Interior

drought.gov El Niño on the Horizon: Can the Warm Phase End Six Years of Drought in the Southern Plains of the U.S.? | March 11, 2026 | Drought.gov

energy.gov Department of Energy

More coverage from around the web

azfamily.com Colorado River crisis threatens water supply, hydropower for millions

tradersunion.com Southwest hydropower output heads for 2026 decline as Colorado River drought deepens

circleofblue.org Colorado River Water Crisis: What You Need to Know

theepochtimes.com A Drought, the Colorado River, and the Hoover Dam

energiesmedia.com Far beyond the Colorado River, a drought-driven collapse in hydropower is quietly threatening the lights across North America as record-low reservoirs edge closer to generating no power at all

Appeared in: 2026-11-13 (#1)

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