Develop the lowest-cost resources first, with an emphasis on resources that are relatively environmentally benign. We have learned our energy lessons. Cheap hydropower gives us a competitive economic edge. But we cannot forget or suspend the law of supply and demand. If we don't develop added electrical capacity, electricity prices, and customer rates will increase dramatically.
Scarcity always drives up the price.
We can protect consumers and business by adding to our energy generation capacity - and doing it now before a shortage jolts our electric bills. Randy Hardy was BPA Administrator from 1991 to 1997. Before that, he was superintendent of Seattle City Light. He is now a private energy consultant.