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ExpectMore.govExpectMore.gov home pageEXPECT FEDERAL PROGRAMS TO PERFORM WELL, AND BETTER EVERY YEAR.
 
Program Assessment

Program

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Bonneville Power Administration

The program delivers efficient, economical and reliable electrical power to the Pacific Northwest while mitigating the Federal Columbia River Power System impact on fish and wildlife.

Rating

What This Rating Means

PERFORMING
Moderately Effective

In general, a program rated Moderately Effective has set ambitious goals and is well-managed. Moderately Effective programs likely need to improve their efficiency or address other problems in the programs' design or management in order to achieve better results.
  • The program carries out its mission effectively, meeting national standards for providing dependable power to the Pacific Northwest while also balancing energy needs and environmental concerns. In fiscal year 2006 the program received an unqualified audit opinion and repaid its debt obligations to the US Treasury, on time, for the 23rd year in a row.
  • Today, critical pathways on the Pacific Northwest transmission grid are congested and the system is at or near capacity. BPA will need to continue to make prudent investments related to maintaining and improving its transmission grid.
  • Bonneville Power Administration markets excess electricity production to customers outside of the Pacific Northwest, such as California. A portion of revenues earned from excess electricity production may be used to pay down BPA's Treasury debt.

Improvement Plan

About Improvement Plans

We are taking the following actions to improve the performance of the program:

  • Establishing adjustable power rates that reflect changes in weather conditions, BPA's financial performance, and fish and wildlife costs
  • Considering how third-party financing and participation in regional organizations could help lower BPA's future capital expenditures related to its transmission business.
  • Optimizing hydropower output consistent with protecting the environment and mitigating historically high energy prices.

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