Draft Sixth Power Plan Comment

Dear Mr. Walker: I am sorry that I don't have the time to provide in depth comments to the Council on the Draft Sixth Northwest Power Plan, but I would at least like to make a few comments: 1. Wind generation is identified as the leading resource in the near term. One problem with wind is that is not always reliable such as when the wind stopped blowing last January and the wind power went from 2,000 MW to zero in 20 minutes. The difference was made up by hydro, but it would wear on the equipment over time. 2. Everyone seems to be afraid of nuclear power, but the plant in Richland is providing 1150 MW of power and is much cleaner than coal. If a second nuclear plant was constructed it would seem possible to shut down the Boardman coal-fired power plant and meet other future needs. 3. Natural gas-fired power plants are considered cost-effective because they can get permitted. However, I believe natural gas could be better used to power vehicles. 4. If the long term strategies include demand-response programs, I would like to know more about them. One demand response program that we all know about was the California energy crisis. One result of that crisis was the shut down of all of the aluminum plants in Washington state. I am not sure if any have restarted. I thank you for the opportunity to comment. Phil Roppo