Desertdog - Good points. However, I was not suggesting that BPA rely on the spot market for 100% of their power needs. That would result in rate increases in the order of $400/month as you suggest. Indeed, that is exactly the problem in California. They are relying on the spot market for 100% of their power. No wonder they have such problems. I was suggesting that BPA rely on the spot market to cover their peak power demands and avoid rolling black-outs. They should not take water reserved for the salmon just to avoid the occasional foray into the spot market. Even so, I would expect rates to go up, perhaps considerably.

Although the prices are steep, Pacific salmon in the Columbia River basin have, in effect, been paying these high prices for decades. If the fish can't pay these prices (i.e., turbine mortality, high river temps, increased predation), they're dead. After several decades of this, it's easy to see why they're listed under the ESA.

Continuation of the same policies that have guided us in the past will not result in recovery in the foreseeable future. We need to rethink our reliance on electricity in general and hydropower in particular. Conservation and development of new forms of renewable energy are good places to start.

If couldn't already tell, I've been in the fish/power business for quite a few years too; but certainly not the 20 years that you have. Thanks for the feedback.

Not sure who started this thread, but it's a good question and very timely.



------------------
MSB