Alabama’s oldest renewable energy source continues to be challenged with abnormally dry conditions this spring, but lake levels have improved slightly. Alabama Power is working with federal and state agencies to manage limited water resources, but most company reservoirs remain below normal. 

This week, Alabama Power received approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to reduce required minimum flows from Jordan Dam on the Coosa River. This allows the company to reduce flows to the Alabama River by 20 percent in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers through the end of May, when it shifts to a 10 percent reduction. Weiss, Henry and Logan Martin lakes are expected to benefit in the coming weeks from the flow reduction, but it remains to be seen if they will reach full summer pool.

Recent rains have also helped. On the Tallapoosa River, Lake Martin is near full summer pool and Lake Harris is expected to fill later this week or early next week.

Still, the U.S. Drought Monitor shows much of Alabama remains abnormally dry. Matt Bowden, Alabama Power vice president, Environmental Affairs, says reservoirs are not out of the woods just yet. “Recent rainfall, along with the FERC variance approval, will help move lake levels on the Coosa in the right direction, but we’ll have to wait and see what happens the remainder of the spring and summer.”

While the FERC order is in place, all recreational releases from Jordan Dam have been suspended until conditions further improve. People with boats and other water-related equipment and facilities should be alert to conditions on and below Alabama Power reservoirs, and take necessary steps to protect their property.

For the latest on lake levels and Alabama Power’s efforts to manage these dry conditions, visit www.alabamapower.com and click the "Lake Conditions" link on the left side of the page, or call 1-800-LAKES11 (1-800-525-3711).