U.S. Power Marketing Administrations Oversee Hydropower in 34 States

Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.

The U.S. Department of Energy oversees four Power Marketing Administrations responsible for selling electricity generated by federally owned and operated hydroelectric dams. These include the Bonneville Power Administration, Southeastern Power Administration, Southwestern Power Administration, and Western Area Power Administration, covering a service area spanning 34 states.

The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) markets wholesale electrical power from 31 federal dams in the Pacific Northwest, which is the region’s largest source of clean energy. These dams are operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation.

The Western Area Power Administration manages a transmission system of more than 17,000 circuit miles, delivering electricity from 57 hydropower plants across 15 central and western states. These hydropower plants are operated by the Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the International Boundary and Water Commission.

Each Power Marketing Administration is led by an appointed administrator and chief executive officer, overseeing operations and ensuring the reliable delivery of hydroelectric power across the country.