The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1953-05-22

sin. the nature of hydroelectric pow
err production requires that it be I'M
dertaken only in conjunction with
balanced planning of water use and
control for many purposes. Non-Fed-
eral interests, both public and pri-
vate. should be licensed to develop
water power sites when their pro-
posals are harmonious with multi-pur-
pose development, management, and
use of the river and the power is
marketed in the public interest.
Thermal powerful obtain maxi
mum benefit it will become necessary
in time to support hydroelectric pro-
duction by fuel-generated plants own
ed by or operated in conjunction with
the system. The Basins reserves of
oil, Ignite, and other solid fuels form
a major part of the national energy
supply, and the development program
should encourage use of these re-
serves.
Transmission.-The Federal gen.
Grating plants and transmission grid
should be planned and operated as
unified, integrated system, or a group
of integrated systems. Normally, the
transmission facilities should also be
constructed and owned by the Fed
eral Government. Agreements with
other utilities for the joint use of IA
cilities should be entered into only
where they meet tests of concrete adj
vantage to the public interest.
Power marketing.-Th marketing
of Federal power should be carried
out under the statutory preference
clause" giving public bodies and rural
electric co-operatives preferential
rights. Disposition of power to pref
erence customers should be subject
only to the prior requirement of ma
tional defense or irrigation pumping.
The Federal power projects should
meet the requirements of preference
customers within economic distance
Of the Federal hydroelectric plants.
Revenues and rates. - Normally,
total receipts from power purchasers
IN the Basin, should be sufficient to
with interest, all costs includ-
ng the allocated share of joint costs.
Periodic re-evaluation of rate levels
and rate structures should be re-
Iuired and rates should be set so
Is to realize the maximum benefit
Normally, these rates should be as low
IS overall cost recovery permits. De-
rates should be utilized
% encourage economic and desirable
'esource enterprises in the Basin.
Power system planning.-More uni
led planning direction and clearer
legislative policies are necessary. I'm
in plans and planning
procedures should be directed particu-
arly toward financial planning, closer
coordination of studies on alterna-
ives in water use and control, closer
coordination between power market
ng and the encouragement of de-
irable and power-consuniing indus
ries, and studies of hydro-t thermal
Pick-Sloan Plan: Main Stem Struc-
ures.-The Commission agrees that
he main stem dams, now well under
ray, should be completed, and the re-
ultant power developed, but it is also
f the opinion that further study
hould be given to the rest of the
rogram to make sure it is being de-
eloped in the best possible sequence
or the public interest.
Oahe Dam. =. From the limited
nalysis the Commission has been able
D make of the place of Oahe Dam
l the main stem system it appears
justified. It's elimina-
on would result in loss of $685.
90 annual benefits, and the cost of
ne other reservoirs would be in
reased.
Continued Next Week.