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CHAPTER II NEEDS AND RESOURCES U,S, Census projections show the Colorado River Storage Project area can expect a population of about 10,981,000 by 1990 and 13,492,000 by 2000, compared to 8.237,000 in 1976, With a projected continuation of existing patterns of demand, the 1975 rower resources and needs sub- team projected about 8,000 megawatts (MW)_/ of additional peaking power capacity would be needed in the Colorado River Storage Project marketing area from 1985 to 2000. as shown in the table on the preceding page. More recent inventory studies by the Western Area Power Administra- tion (Western)!/ have indicated that projected effects of increased energy conservation and load management programs have reduced the level of need from 8,000 MW down to 4,000 MW, which includes 1,000 MW of reserves, This reduced projection for peaking power led to Reclamation con- ducting a peaking power prioritization meetingl/ to determine which proj- ects within the Colorado River Storage Project market area should be investigated first. The Dolores Unit received high priority for con- tinued study at that time because of its relatively low estimated cost per installed kilowatt (kW), its transmission and environmental impacts, its marketability, and lastly because its projected power-on-line date compared well to other potential projects. In 1982, Reclamation sought non-Federal participation for joint development of hydroelectric power potential at Reclamation facilities. Reclamation found many utilities interested in participating in such development, This prompted Reclamation to actively pursue non-Federal participation in power projects such as the Dolores Unit, Potential non-Federal participation in the Dolores Unit is discussed in Chapter IV, Conclusions. Resources The resources of the area provide an attractive location for a pumped-storage facility. The water supply is sufficient for a pumped- storage hydroelectric development of a large size, The elevation dif- ferences between potential forebays and afterbays and the proximity of those features favor a pumped-storage configuration. Geologic forma- tions appear to provide adequate foundations for project reservoirs and other features, The area is also close to existing transmission corri- dors. 1/ Includes rate schedule changes. 2/ u.S, Department of Energy, Western Area Power Administration. August 1981. Power Market Journal. 3/ Bureau of Reclamation. July 15, 1981. Memorandum to Commis- sionet from Chief. Division of Planning Technical Services. Subject: Minutes of June 10, 1981, Meeting on the Prioritization of Pumped- Storage and Related Projects in the CRSP Marketing Area. 5