Demand for power is growing fast, but hydro plants, the oldest source of clean energy, are struggling because of droughts, floods and other extreme weather linked to climate change.

The Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River east of Portland. Washington and Oregon produce more than one-third of the nation’s hydropower. Amelia Templeton / OPB Hydropower generated for electricity ...

After dropping to historic levels last year due to ongoing drought and high temperatures, hydropower generated in the Northwest is expected to rise slightly this year from much needed precipitation.

Hydropower generated for electricity from Oregon and Washington dams fell to historically low levels last year, and experts expect it could drop further by year’s end. Officials at the U.S. Energy ...

Bonneville Dam is the last of 14 dams on the Columbia River before it empties into the Pacific Ocean. (Courtesy of the Bonneville Power Administration) After dropping to historic levels last year due ...