The Pacific Northwest has been enjoying high hydroelectric power output relative to last year, for about a month now. The difference is large enough to register on the national level, at more than 5 GW above 2013. That displaces a lot of natural gas. Probably close to 1 BCFD for most of March. But that is coming to an end now, simply because hydro generation rose sharply at this time in 2013.
Thusfar, Bonneville Power Administration has been reducing thermal output and sending more power south the California. The flows may not change much, but the abnormally low natural gas demand should move back toward levels comparable with 2013 now.
The northwest hydro story.....
As reflected in lower northwest thermal generation last month.....
and higher electricity exports.....
