The Seattle region has been getting hotter and drier each summer, making it harder to meet energy needs. At City Light, we plan ahead to make sure there’s enough electricity by adapting to challenges like reduced snowpack, longer heatwaves, and fluctuating energy prices.
Here’s how we’ve been adapting to these challenges.
Why water is important for energy
City Light relies on hydropower, which means water is essential to generating electricity. But rising temperatures are changing our water supply.
- Less snow falls in winter, and it melts earlier in spring.
- This leaves less water in our reservoirs to produce electricity during summer.
This year, Washington had less snowpack than normal and higher temperatures than usual. Experts predict another dry summer with above-average temperatures and below-normal precipitation. These drought conditions make it harder for us to generate electricity and increase the need for careful planning – particularly during heatwaves when energy consumption spikes due to increased air conditioning use.
How we manage summer energy challenges
To make sure we have enough energy during the summer, our Power Marketing team uses advanced tools to plan. By analyzing weather and water conditions, we decide how much water to store and when to release it from our reservoirs. This proactive approach helps ensure reservoirs are refilled as much as possible before summer demand peaks.
The key strategies we use include:
- Strategic scheduling: We schedule maintenance on dams in spring or fall to increase the chances they can operate at full capacity in summer.
- Hydropower flexibility: We carefully release water during high-demand times to maximize energy production.
- Energy market adaptability: We buy and sell energy in markets to get the best prices and save money.
How energy markets help keep costs down
Energy markets help us balance supply and demand while keeping costs low. Our Power Marketing team adapts to changing conditions and market dynamics. For instance:
- During sunny days, we buy cheaper solar energy from the market to meet demand.
- During peak demand in the evening, we use stored hydropower instead of purchasing expensive energy.
This approach allows us to meet your energy needs and creates an opportunity for us to sell extra energy, which helps lower overall costs.
What you can do to help
You can help keep energy costs low by using less energy during peak demand periods, especially during heatwaves. Here are some simple tips:
- Run dishwashers and laundry machines in the morning or late evening.
- Set your thermostat a little higher during the hottest hours.
- Turn off lights and electronics when they’re not needed.
- Eat dinners that require less cooking such as sandwiches or BBQ outside.
Together, small changes in how you use energy can reduce stress on the energy system and help keep rates affordable for everyone.
Looking ahead
We are committed to providing reliable and affordable energy, even with the challenges of climate change. We continuously adapt using new technology, smart planning, and innovative strategies.
You play an important role, too. By making small changes in how and when you use energy and by staying informed, you’re helping create a stronger, more sustainable energy system for everyone.
We’ll keep you updated with tips and news about how we’re working to meet your energy needs. Thank you for being part of our effort!