Another source for alternative power

Imagine California with an overabundant amount of water and electricity. Arnold wants to build a couple of dams, but at what cost?

A dam is only as good as the water behind it, and relies on rain and snow to meet the demands it was built for. In drought years, water will be at a premium. Most rivers in the state are at their limit —to build another dam is a bad idea.

Now comes the subject of electricity. Much has been said concerning wind, solar and whatever else might generate power to keep the lights on and the Tivo operating. Alternative sources of power are only an expensive band-aid that could never hope to meet the demand now, or for the foreseeable future, let alone five to 10 years from now, with up to date solar panels costing well over $15,000 — and that's after rebates — while at times watching the meter operate backwards. However, you will never see that house disconnected from that 240 volt line bringing power in from that gas-fired power plant.

On second thought, I can buy a lot of electricity for $15,000, and if anything breaks, Lodi Electric or PG&E will repair it, free of charge.

While anything and everything seems to cost in the billions of dollars these days, I would suggest a way to have enough power as to never have a brown-out or black-out again, and never have to skimp with water. Yes there is a way to meet the demands of both.

Desalination of water taken from the Pacific Ocean or S.F. Bay is endless, along with nuclear power. More than enough clean power that won't add to global warming, and sufficient water, therefore never having to be concerned about a drought again.

Saudi Arabia gets all of its water through desalination; there is never a lack of water in that country. Green power is fine if you're a jolly giant on the side of a can of corn or Kermit the Frog. Stopping to think about it, we're already 20 years too late.

Ed Walters
Lodi