As of January 1, 2008, PacifiCorp owns 47 hydropower facilities, located in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Montana. With a total a generating capacity of approximately 1,074 megawatts (MW) of electricity, they are used to power households and businesses across the West.

Water allows for a flexible means of generation. If required, hydropower plants can respond quickly to large and varying demands for electricity while meeting daily load requirements. Generating plants powered by coal or natural gas cannot accommodate rapid changes in demand as swiftly as hydropower. Hydropower also is a resource that works in concert with other renewable resources, such as wind power.

For example, on a typical mid-summer daily generating cycle, the highest (peak) demand lasts from midday through the afternoon because of an increase in air conditioning use in some states. During this peak, more water is released from the reservoirs through the powerhouses, and more electricity is generated. During lower-peak periods, such as late at night, the operation shifts. Flows through the powerhouse are reduced, and water is allowed to again build up in the storage reservoir for use during the next day’s peak usage period.

PacifiCorp operates recreation areas within its hydroelectric system, through Rocky Mountain Power and  Pacific Power , providing the public with camping, fishing, boating and picnicking opportunities.