May 4th, 2004
Associated Press

Wholesale power rates may be higher this fall thanks to Oregon's fast-evaporating snowpack and low river levels. A spokesman with the Bonneville Power Administration says those conditions could leave hydroelectric plants unable to produce much power. The BPA operates 31 dams in the Pacific Northwest and sells electricity to utility companies.

BPA spokesman Mike Hansen says that if the dams produce less electricity than normal, executives will not have "surplus power" to sell to California during the hot summer months. He says selling extra power helps BPA keep prices low.

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