Congresswoman Pushes Glen Canyon Dam Study to Lower Power Costs in Southern Utah

Proposed legislation aims to find ways to manage water temperatures without sacrificing hydropower production.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 12:49am

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Congresswoman Celeste Maloy has introduced the Glen Canyon Selective Withdrawal Feasibility Study Act, which would direct the Bureau of Reclamation to analyze how to better manage water temperatures and flows at the Glen Canyon Dam without reducing hydropower generation. The goal is to find solutions that can address environmental concerns while also protecting power customers from rising costs due to water bypasses that reduce electricity production.

Why it matters

The Glen Canyon Dam is critical for both water management and affordable power in Southern Utah, where drought is a constant concern and power demand continues to grow. Costly water bypasses to adjust downstream temperatures have already cost about $25 million over the past two years, with those costs passed on to ratepayers. This study could identify solutions like a 'thermal curtain' system to balance environmental and hydropower needs.

The details

Congresswoman Maloy's bill is a companion to legislation introduced by Senator Mike Lee. It would direct the Bureau of Reclamation to analyze how to better manage water temperatures and flows at the Glen Canyon Dam without sacrificing hydropower production. The Bureau has been experimenting with 'Cool Mix' flows, which bypass the dam's turbines to adjust downstream water temperatures, but this has resulted in about $25 million in lost electricity generation costs over the past two years.

  • Congresswoman Maloy introduced the Glen Canyon Selective Withdrawal Feasibility Study Act this week.
  • The Bureau of Reclamation has been implementing 'Cool Mix' flows at the Glen Canyon Dam over the past two years.

The players

Congresswoman Celeste Maloy

A U.S. Representative from Utah's 2nd congressional district who introduced the Glen Canyon Selective Withdrawal Feasibility Study Act.

Senator Mike Lee

A U.S. Senator from Utah who introduced companion legislation to Congresswoman Maloy's bill.

Bureau of Reclamation

The federal agency that manages water resources in the Western United States, including operating the Glen Canyon Dam.

Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems

A regional power organization that represents communities in Southern Utah and has backed Congresswoman Maloy's proposed legislation.

Arizona Power Authority

A regional power organization that represents communities in Arizona and has backed Congresswoman Maloy's proposed legislation.

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What they’re saying

“We can achieve both conservation and hydropower goals.”

— Congresswoman Celeste Maloy

What’s next

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The takeaway

This proposed legislation highlights the delicate balance between environmental concerns and affordable power in the Western U.S., especially in drought-prone regions like Southern Utah. Finding solutions that protect both hydropower generation and downstream water temperatures could make a meaningful difference for families and communities in the region.