Contact Energy is keeping quiet on how much money its
investigation into a possible new hydro-electric dam on the
Clutha River might cost and is unlikely to ever reveal the
final bill.
The power company has spent all year researching and
revisiting four decades-old plans for dams on the river.
Its focus has been on early proposals at Queensberry,
Luggate, Beaumont and Tuapeka Mouth.
It has appointed Clyde-based manager Neil Gillespie to head
the project and is using experts in engineering and other
areas to explore the best option.
Although that and other work being conducted behind the
scenes is likely to be expensive, Contact spokesman Jonathan
Hill would not be drawn into outlining how much money was
being poured into the project.
"We are putting a lot of effort and lot of work into ensuring
we are getting the best information we can . . .
"I think it's important for people to have confidence in the
process we are following," he said.
He declined to comment on how much had been spent by Contact
to date.
"That is something that we would not disclose," Mr Hill said.
Contact had yet to confirm exactly when it will announce its
preferred option.
It hopes to soon release computer animated graphics on how
the four new dams might look.
It has previously said it would announce its pick of the four
proposals early next year.
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