Increasingly, power operations are being restricted for environmental and recreational purposes. For example, the CRSP Glen Canyon Dam's eight-unit power plant can generate 1,288,000 kW, but flow restrictions have reduced generation by 25 percent to 30 percent. While producing less electricity, Western's revenues must remain adequate to meet reimbursability requirements. Consequently, CRSP customers receive less power for the same amount of money. Unlike existing hydroelectric projects, some sources will emit air pollutants and cost significantly more.
Conservation is emphasized by public bodies purchasing federal power.
Their extensive demand and supply side conservation programs and research on renewable energy have existed since before 1980. Since 1980, Western has had a program requiring documentation of customer areas' conservation projects, and the Bureau of Reclamation alternative power source studies include conservation through demand side management.