BPA Memo Says Power Bill Won?t Prevent NW Shortage

April 18, 1980. This article cites an internal memo of the Bonneville Power Administration, which suggests that the BPA probably wouldn?t have enough power to service all its customers due to expected power shortages. The memo spoke to the uncertain ability of the Northwest Power Bill, which had already passed in the U.S. Senate, to provide sufficient electricity to all of its public and private utility customers as well as the Northwest aluminum industry. The memo provoked some controversy between the upper management of BPA officials and Congressman, saying that ?severe economical hardships? would result from the proposed electricity shortages. These varying speculations made their way to members of House subcommittees and Senators, who expressed surprise and concern. KEYWORDS: Northwest Power Bill; Utilities; Bonneville Power Administration (BPA); US Senate; House Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee; House Interior Committee; Colombia River; 280DP18038