Oregon and Washington generate far more hydro-electric power than most states. How does all this hydro-electric power help keep our electric bills low (half the cost of electricity in many states)?
http://planetsave.com/2016/03/09/hydropower-costs-renewable-energy-hydroelectricity-costs-vs-renewable-fossil-costs/
Water power is cheaper than coal power. Although building the dam is expensive, the water is considered free there from then on ( I could argue at length about that, being into eating salmon for example but anyway....). Coal must be dug up, oil must be pumped up, gas must be drilled for, all expensive forever (ignoring the black lung disease etc).
The abundance of hydro-electric power in Oregon and Washington plays a significant role in keeping electricity costs low. Let's explain how this happens:
1. How hydro-electric power reduces electricity costs:
- Hydroelectric power is a renewable energy source, meaning it doesn't rely on finite resources like fossil fuels. Consequently, it tends to be more cost-effective in the long run.
- Hydroelectric power plants have lower operational costs compared to conventional power plants that rely on burning fossil fuels (such as coal or natural gas). The fuel for hydroelectric plants is water, which is freely available and doesn't need to be purchased.
- Once the initial infrastructure costs are covered, hydroelectric power becomes relatively inexpensive to generate. The ongoing expenses primarily involve maintaining and upgrading the facilities.
- Since hydroelectric power doesn't depend on fluctuating fuel prices, the cost stability translates into more predictable electricity rates for consumers.
- The presence of an extensive hydroelectric power system in Oregon and Washington means a higher proportion of electricity production comes from this low-cost source, helping to keep overall electricity prices relatively low.
2. Factors specific to Oregon and Washington:
- Oregon and Washington possess abundant water resources, including major rivers like the Columbia, Snake, and Willamette, which provide an excellent potential for hydropower generation.
- Both states have developed extensive hydroelectric infrastructure, with numerous dams and power plants. These facilities generate a substantial portion of their electricity needs, reducing the reliance on more expensive sources like fossil fuels.
- The economies of scale come into play as well. With a large number of hydroelectric power plants, the fixed costs can be spread out over a larger capacity, resulting in lower electricity costs for consumers in these states.
In summary, the availability of plentiful water resources, extensive hydroelectric infrastructure, and the inherent benefits of hydroelectric power contribute to keeping electricity bills low in Oregon and Washington compared to many other states.