OPB: PacifiCorp to pass costs of dam removal to consumers

Tuesday, May 10, 2011  

"A California regulator will allow energy company PacifiCorp to charge ratepayers extra to remove four of its dams in the Klamath River basin.

The California utility commission said it could take 30 years to get the dams to comply with environmental regulations.

PacifiCorp said that removing the dams is a cheaper option for its customers and the commission agreed.

Craig Tucker is with the Karuk tribe in Northern California. The tribe relies on the Klamath for salmon and gets its electricity from PacifiCorp.

Craig Tucker: “What we would get if these deals are seen to their end is the cheapest possible power rates and an increase in salmon. “'

Get the Story:
Ratepayers Will Pay For Removal Of PacifiCorp's Klamath Basin Dams (Oregon Public Broadcasting 5/9)