1983 Northwest Conservation and Electric Power Plan

April 27, 1983  |  

This report is also called the 1st Power Plan.

See our current power plan page for the most current plan, and history of previous plans.

• Plan (5.4mb PDF)
• Appendices (3.5mb PDF)

Introductory letter

To The People of the Pacific Northwest:
 
Three generations ago, the people of the region started building the largest hydropower system in the world. The resulting supply of low-cost power has contributed immeasurably to the quality of life and economic development in the Pacific Northwest. Now, the region must plan to meet future energy needs with conservation programs and resources that are 6 to 15 times more expensive than power from the existing dams. The challenge facing us is to support a strong growing economy while protecting our investment in the low-cost hydropower supply.
 
The Northwest Power Planning Council is charged with the responsibility of determining how much electric power the region will need and planning for the cheapest way to serve that need. The Congress directed the Council to complete the first regional conservation and electric power plan by April 28, 1983.
 
Adoption of this plan marks the beginning of the planning process, not the end. We now look forward to working with the citizens of the Northwest, Bonneville, and other federal agencies, utilities, state and local governments, Indian tribes, and businesses to ensure the successful implementation of this power plan and the Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Program, which was adopted on November 15, 1982.
 
The Council is confident that the region can develop the resources needed to meet the region's
future needs for electricity at the lowest possible cost.

[Signed by Daniel Evans, Robert Saxvik, Charles Collins, Larry Mills, Keith COlbo, Alfred Hampson, Gerald Mueller, Roy Hemmingway]