If water is transferred outside the Tennessee River system and not returned to it, isn’t there a loss of hydropower generation at downstream dams?
Yes. Lost hydropower generation as a result of less water passing through downstream turbines must be replaced by more expensive means. Since all of TVA’s operations are now funded by ratepayers in the TVA power service area, all interbasin transfers of water outside the area will require reimbursement to TVA in an amount that recovers the lost hydropower benefits.
Related Questions
- If water is transferred outside the Tennessee River system and not returned to it, isn’t there a loss of hydropower generation at downstream dams?
- Isn’t Tennessee River water already being transferred out of the river basin to serve as potable supplies for municipalities?
- If no contamination was found in the drinking water system outside of Reservoir 3, why was a boil water notice issued?
