How will hydropower be replaced if it is lost?
Sale: The impacts of lost power production during relicensing will probably be greatest in the areas of the country that rely on hydroelectric dams for peaking power–electricity needed during times of high demand. These dams store large amounts of water and then release it quickly to match peak demands. Associated water-level fluctuations in rivers can have undesirable environmental and social effects. Given today’s sensitivity to environmental values, such projects may not be allowed to continue this type of operation. Hydropower peaking may have to be replaced by gas turbines or coal-fired plants or conservation programs to encourage less use of energy. Chuck Coutant: If part of the hydroelectric capacity is lost, the power can be supplied by other parts of the power grid. For example, the Canadians are anxious to sell hydropower to the United States. Our country’s biggest foreign source of power is Quebec Hydro, which sells a tremendous amount of electricity to New England and New
