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James David CAIN SENATOR
P.O. BOX 427 DRY CREEK, LOUISIANA 70637 TELEPHONE (318) 328-7266
July 21, 1998
Honorable Murphyl. "Mike" Foster, Jr.
Oftjce of the Governor
P. O. Box 94004
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9004
Re: Water Level Toledo Bend Reservoir
Dear Governor Foster:
I request the power production capability of Toledo Bend be immediately placed in the reserve category by both power
companies; that scheduled routine power production during peek demand periods be stopped; that only water released to meet the mmlmum down river flow requirements be used to produce power.
The water level in Toledo Bend has already reached a critical stage. Ar of this moming the level is 167.10' msl and it will continue to be reduced by power generation if the present guide rule curve is followed. Marina owners and lake residents are already being adversely effected by low water, e.g. boat launches, fishing piers, dock and other lake side amenities are rendered useless. If the present power production rate continues, without significant inflow, the rest of the vacation season will be a financial disaster for those who make their living from the recreation use of the lake. Labor Day weekend is normaily a major factor in the financial success of the marinas. Without water to attact visitors, there will be a major shortfall in revenue to all business and taxing authorities associated with the lake.
There has been a very strong effort by many oranizations to have routine power generation stopped when the water level reached 168'msl. Toledo Bend Project Joint Operations Board spent approximately $50,000.00 on a study which determined it is possible to halt power production at 168' msl without significant impact on power and revenue production. As of mid-night July 14, 1998, 218,076 megawatt hours of power have been produced at Tdedo Bend in 1998. Annual power production at Toledo Bend averages 204,000 megawatts hours. Yet, routine power production continues with water below 168 msl.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) requires each power company hold firm control over a 15% power reserve. Presently the power from the lake is being used each weekday dunng the peak demand period.
I strongly recommend and request that the power which Toledo Bend is capable of producing, above that produced to meet minimum down river flow requirements, be placed in reserve. Any other power produced should meet conditions under which reserve power may be used as established by the FERC. These restrictions should be continued until the water level of Toledo Bend is again higher than 168' msl.
Sincerely,
James David Cain
State Senator
JDC/ns
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