LEWISTON, ID – Clearwater Power Company is raising concerns about potential increases in electricity costs following a recent federal court order affecting dam operations across the Columbia and Snake rivers.

In February, U.S. District Judge Michael Simon issued a preliminary injunction directing federal agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to increase water spill over dam spillways rather than route it through turbines for power generation.

The order applies to eight dams and requires longer spill periods, more daily spill hours, and higher volumes of water bypassing turbines.

Hydropower from these dams is marketed by the Bonneville Power Administration, which supplies electricity to utilities across the Northwest. Increased spill reduces power generation, particularly during peak summer demand, according to the release.

As a result, BPA may need to purchase replacement power at higher market rates while losing some operational flexibility during emergencies. Those added costs are typically passed on to utilities and, in turn, to customers.

Supporters say increased spill is intended to improve conditions for endangered salmon and steelhead as part of broader recovery efforts. Critics question its effectiveness and point to added financial pressure on the region’s hydropower system.

The order maintains reservoir levels to limit impacts on irrigation, navigation, recreation, and flood control, leaving hydropower production as the primary area affected.

The issue reflects a broader regional challenge of balancing fish recovery efforts with the need for reliable and affordable electricity.