Torrential rain across California in recent weeks has caused plenty of misery, but it could also generate some good news on the energy front: If rain and snow totals hold up, all the precipitation will boost hydroelectric production — and that would help the Golden State's electric grid, especially in the summertime when the system comes under strain.
"Based on the reservoir levels and what we're seeing this year, we expect to have more hydroelectricity generated this year than we have for the last several years," said Lindsay Buckley, director of communications at the California Energy Commission.
Lake Shasta near Redding is home to California's largest reservoir, feeding the Shasta Powerplant, which produces hydroelectric power for the 15-state western power grid. As of midnight Monday, Lake Shasta was up to 83 percent of average, according to the Department of Water Resources.
