The POA has maintained a position that the existing rule bands serve lake property owners well, and represent a good compromise between the needs of various lake water users. We have seen no indication that MDE plans to change the rule bands. However, in the past, Penn Elec generally lowered the lake gradually during the month within the confines of the rule bands. The new power plant owner, Reliant Energy, is more likely to use a month s allotment of water in a few days. This change is not only due to a new power plant owner, but changes brought about by the deregulation of the electricity generating industry.
Power is sold at auction through a computerized system.
On a hot summer afternoon, power from Deep Creek can be sold at up to ten times the amount obtained at off peak periods. POA representatives at these meetings have explained that we much prefer a gradual draw down during the month. The white water people want regular releases on weekends, and advance notice of releases at other times. The fishermen, don t like weekend releases, because they can t fish when the water is high. They also want and need advance notice of releases.