To the editor: The Los Angeles Division of Water and Energy’s Scattergood hydrogen proposal is a horrible deal for ratepayers (“In controversial transfer, LADWP says it can shift its largest gasoline energy plant to hydrogen,” Oct. 29).
With federal funding minimize, ratepayers largely would shoulder the total value of the estimated $800-million mission, a price ticket that legal professional Theo Caretta factors out is “a number of years outdated and sure an underestimation,” in line with the article. The mission might be costlier now, given federal actions derailing the hydrogen business.
But LADWP nonetheless hasn’t launched an up to date value estimate. Unsure funding additionally makes it uncertain that 100% inexperienced hydrogen shall be obtainable, heightening the chance of long-term reliance on polluting methane gasoline — a fossil gas.
Whereas clear, reasonably priced options like battery storage, photo voltaic power and demand response exist at the moment, this hydrogen mission’s price ticket diminishes our capacity to pay for expanded renewables. LADWP should launch an up to date price ticket for Scattergood and clarify why less expensive, confirmed clean-energy options weren’t completely thought of. Ratepayers can’t afford to have their cash wasted on dangerous, unproven know-how that simply turned much more expensive.
Leah Garland, Los Angeles
