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3602 1 1 the project's energy needs five to ten years before demands would be put on the ,ystem. rhis allows ample time for the necessary planninp, to make sure that the project's needs do not conflict in any way with those of other Valley Power users. The 'Bureau of Reclamation's decision to contract with private utility co~panies instead of construct its own power facilities reflects the following factors: 1. The utility companies assured the government that project needs could be met. 2. rhe underlyinp. phi in sophy of the American system i, that private sector develop~ent is apt to be more efficient than direct govern- ment action. A choice was seen between the government buil(Jin~ its own power system versus acquiring the necessary po~er from the pri- vate sector. Under the American system, there is a stronr, bias in favor of the private sector option. 3. If the government built the system, it could only be used for pro- viding power for the Project. Contracting with the utility con- panies weans that the transmission system will 6e tile property of tilose companies alld that service can be provided to private indivi- duals. The approximntely 150 miles of new transrnission lines can provide electrical service to a large area which is nov without easy access to existing utility lines. A number of individuals should benefit fro~ this directly. The project power delivery system will he built by and remain the pro- perty of the utility companies. However, the federal government does retain some control of the form the system will take. This control is mostly related to environmental concerns. For inqtanceJ the system will have a mix of above and below ground power lines. This is to reduce visual impact. The above ground parts of the system will be desi~ned to reduce the possibility of wildfowl injuries. The Bureau will contract with the utility co~panies and will pay for the cost of the power distribution system. This will be done in about the same way that a private individual in a remote area to/auld get elec- trical service. rhe funds which were originally allocated for the government's own system will cover the costs of contracting with the utility companies. The government will pay for the project system directly. The costs of the project system will not be "tacked onll to the utility bills of the general public.