Its public forum on the Contact website has attracted a regular number of questions in recent days, with some concerned the power company might try to convince the Government it needs to push the projects through while others worried some of the planned dams might wipe out landmarks and other features.
As of yesterday, the company's public forum website had attracted more than 150 messages.
It was set up as part of the company's wish for feedback on the re-release of plans to build dams at Queensberry, Luggate, Beaumont and Tuapeka Mouth.
Some people are questioning why Contact has not yet released firmer details on the four proposals, including what resource consents will be needed and what areas could be flooded if dams are built on the Clutha River.
Contact hydro project manager Neil Gillespie, who is answering the online questions, said there was still a lot of technical information to be determined.
"The various development options . . . are those Contact inherited from the ECNZ.
"They are at various stages of investigation and there is still a lot of work to do to investigate the key aspects of each option so that they are able to be considered on their merits," he wrote.
Contact was still looking at better understanding the effects of each project on the particular area and its people and wanted feedback.
Mr Gillespie said Contact wanted to hear from people and communities who would be affected by any of the four options " so that in 2010, we will be in a position to announce a preferred development option".
That preferred choice would not represent any commitment to build a dam but allow "a more focused discussion around a clearly defined proposal".
The website featured a question from "tdokta" who wondered if the company planned to lobby the Government to change the Resource Management Act "towards its favour, to get the dams rolled through without public opposition, as with the similarities to the Muldoon government of the late seventies?"In his reply, Mr Gillespie said the company was not lobbying the Government.
"I don't expect that that would even be possible."
"I want to assure you that Contact has no intention of disregarding any environmental or legislative issues and we will follow the processes that are available.
"The very fact we are engaging with the community at this stage in the process and at this level . . . demonstrates that we do not intend to sweep anything under the carpet."
Anyone wanting to give Contact their views on the proposals can log on to: www.contactenergy.co.nz.
