Corps hydropower plants have low operating costs and are immune to rising fossil fuel prices, making them one of the least costly sources of electric power available today. As a result, these plants are playing a significant role in keeping electricity costs affordable for consumers, creating a positive impact on the economy. In most parts of the country, Corps hydropower plants can only meet a portion of an area's power needs. The Corps strives to use this limited amount of energy in a way that will keep the overall cost of electricity to consumers as low as possible. This is often done by generating as much energy as possible during peak demand hours of the day. This saves consumers from having to rely on power produced at high cost oil- and gas-fired "peaking" plants. The 75 hydropower plants installed at Corps dams and reservoirs produce one-fourth of the nation's hydroelectric power and help the economy by creating additional revenue, jobs and tax dollars.
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