Western Area Power Administration
UtilitiesColorado, United States501-1000 Employees
Western Area Power Administration is a large federal utility that markets and delivers hydropower generated at 57 federal dams. It serves rural electric cooperatives, municipalities, public utility districts, federal and state agencies, Native American Tribes, and irrigation districts. Headquartered in Lakewood, Colorado, the organization operates across 15 states with 10 rate-setting systems and a footprint covering 135 congressional districts and 10 multi-use water projects. In 2024, Western Area Power Administration announced a partnership with the California Independent System Operator to advance day-ahead market coordination and real-time energy management. The agency functions within the U.S. electric power system to provide reliable, cost-based hydropower to its customers.