The Importance of the Lower Snake River Dams to Central Lincoln

The Lower Snake River Dams are a series of four hydroelectric dams located on the lower reaches of the Snake River in the state of Washington. The dams have played a significant role in the region’s history, economy, and energy infrastructure.

  • Ice Harbor Dam: completed in 1962
  • Lower Monumental Dam: completed in 1969
  • Little Goose Dam: completed in 1970
  • Lower Granite Dam: completed in 1975

The primary purpose of each dam was to generate hydroelectric power and to provide a navigable waterway for barges and ship traffic. Before the Lower Snake River Dams, navigation of ships and barges was not possible on the Snake River. The dams have contributed to the overall transportation infrastructure in the region by providing low-carbon transportation and eliminating a large number of trains and semi-trucks that would be needed to move goods such as wheat and grains to ports along the Columbia River.

The construction of these dams was part of a broader effort in the mid-20th century to harness the energy potential of rivers for power generation, promote navigation, and provide water resources for agriculture. The dams have been integral to the development of the Columbia River Basin power generation and have played a key role in transforming the region’s economy.

Over the years, the dams have become controversial. Special interest groups and Native American tribes have raised concerns about the dams’ effects on fish migration and ecosystems.

There have been ongoing debates about whether to remove the dams to address environmental concerns and restore natural river conditions. This issue involves a complex balance between energy needs, economic considerations, environmental impacts, and the cultural significance of the river to indigenous communities. The decision to breach or keep the dams remains a contentious and complex topic in the Pacific Northwest.

Potential Impacts From Breaching the Four Lower Snake River Dams

If the four Lower Snake River Dams are breached, it will significantly impact the power supply and increase power rates for the region and Central Lincoln customers. Some key considerations:

Hydropower generation loss: Roughly half the region relies on hydropower for electricity. Central Lincoln gets about 10% of our power from the four Lower Snake River Dams. Breaching these dams will result in a considerable loss of this renewable energy source, and other resources will be required to fill that gap. Those other resources will be more expensive and lead to significant rate increases.

Need for alternative energy sources: The four Snake River Dams produce around 3,500 megawatts of total capacity—enough to power more than 800,000 homes. Alternative energy sources such as natural gas, wind, or solar power would drastically need to be expanded to compensate for the loss of hydropower. The availability and cost of these alternative sources would significantly increase power rates.

Increase in power rates: If the region has to rely on more expensive and less efficient energy sources to make up for the lost hydropower, it will lead to an increase in power rates of 21% to 43% for Central Lincoln customers.

Transmission and infrastructure costs: Adapting the power grid to accommodate changes in the energy mix will require investments in transmission infrastructure and other upgrades. These costs will be passed on to consumers through either power rates or taxes.

Energy storage considerations: The four Lower Snake River Dams provide energy storage by regulating water flow. Without this storage capacity, additional measures, such as increased reliance on energy storage technologies, will be needed to manage the variability of renewable energy sources.

Agriculture and Irrigation: The dams serve as reservoirs, and their removal could impact water availability for irrigation, potentially affecting local farmers and their livelihoods.

Transportation and Navigation: Before the dams were built, navigation of ships and barges was not possible on the Snake River. Their removal could impact the transportation and shipping industries. Alternative measures would be needed to maintain efficient navigation.

What Can Central Lincoln Customers Do?

Customers concerned about the potential removal of the four Lower Snake River Dams have several options to educate themselves, voice their opinions, and engage in the decision-making process.

  • Contact local representatives. Reach out to local and state representatives to express your concerns.
  • Submit comments to agencies. When relevant agencies open public comment periods on issues related to the dams, submit your comments.
  • Join advocacy groups. Consider joining or supporting advocacy groups that align with your views on the dams. These groups often have resources, information, and strategies for influencing decision-makers.
  • Stay Informed. Stay informed about developments related to the dams, including studies, proposals, and public hearings.
Lower Granite Dam, one of the four Lower Snake River Dams, is located at the upstream end of Lake Bryan and is about 3,200 feet long with an effective height of 100 feet. Photo courtesy of Bonneville Power Administration.
Lower Granite Dam, one of the four Lower Snake River Dams, is located at the upstream end of Lake Bryan and is about 3,200 feet long with an effective height of 100 feet. Photo courtesy of Bonneville Power Administration.