Klamath Falls, Ore. – While Klamath Basin water settlements have expired, Pacific Power says they’re still pursuing dam removal.
Pacific Power says removing 4 dams from the Klamath River is their ‘preferred alternative’.
Todd Andres of Pacific power claims dam removal is the least costly option to rate payers without sacrificing power output…
“The dams produce approximately 2% of the total energy output that we need.”
Andres says the cost of taking out the dams has already been raised through a surcharge on Oregon power bills, and passage of a California bond measure…
“We estimate the cost is going to be around 450 million dollars.”
Andres says a meeting will be held in Sacramento next month to continue talks that would include water issues…
“And continue to work together on realistic and solid solutions for the irrigators, the tribes, the environmentalists, and Pacific Power rate payers.”
Andres points out that any steps toward dam removal would include a lengthy federal regulatory process which would take several years.
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