Top U.S. States for Hydropower Generation

Hydropower is a major renewable energy source in the United States, concentrated in states with abundant water resources and suitable topography. The leading producers are:

Pacific Northwest Leaders

• Washington: The nation's top hydropower producer, home to Grand Coulee Dam—the largest U.S. hydroelectric facility—and extensive Columbia River infrastructure.
• Oregon: Heavily reliant on hydropower; major dams on the Columbia, Snake, and Willamette Rivers.
• Idaho: Generates most of its electricity from hydropower, primarily via the Snake River and its tributaries.

Other Significant Producers

• California: Substantial capacity from Sierra Nevada snowmelt; includes Oroville Dam (one of the largest U.S. hydro plants). Output varies with drought cycles.
• New York: Major generation at Niagara Falls (Robert Moses and Lewiston plants) and along the St. Lawrence River.
• Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia: Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) operates numerous dams across the Southeast.
• Arizona: Hoover Dam (on the Nevada border) and Glen Canyon Dam provide significant power.

While these states dominate, many others generate hydropower on a smaller scale. Nationally, hydropower accounts for about 6–7% of total U.S. electricity generation and roughly 30% of renewable generation.