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1 1 ..~ r;) ,..-4 ..-I <':-.> {-.:J the project's energy needs five to ten years before demands would be put on the system. This allows ample time for the necessary planning to make sure that the project's needs do not conflict in any way with those of other Valley Power users. The ~ureau of Reclamation's decision to contract with private utility companies instead of construct its own power facilities reflects the following factors: 1, The utility companies assured the government that project needs cou Id be me l. ... 2. The underlying phi losophy of the American system is that private sector developl:1ent is apt to be more efficient than direct govern- ment action. A choice was seen between the government building its own power system versus acquiring the necessary power from the pri- vate sector. Under the American system, there is a strong 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 com- panies means that the transmission system will be the property of those companies and that service can be provided to private indivi- duals. The approximately 150 miles of new transmission lines can provide electrical service to a large area which is now without easy access to existing utility lines. A number of individuals should benefit from this directly. The project power delivery system will be built by and remain the pro- perty of the utility companies. However, the. fe.deral governme.nt does retain some control of the form the system will take. This control is mostly related to environmental concerns. For in~tance, 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 designed to reduce the possibility of wildfowl injuries. The Bureau will contract with the utility companies 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 would get elec- trical service. The 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 on" to the utility bills of the general public.