to the editor: The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power's Scattergood hydrogen proposal is a terrible deal for ratepayers (“In a controversial move, LADWP says it will switch its largest power plant from gas to hydrogen.” October 29).
With federal funding cut, taxpayers would largely bear the project's entire estimated $800 million cost, a price that attorney Theo Caretta notes is “several years out of date and likely an underestimate,” according to the article. The project is likely more expensive now, given federal actions. derailing The hydrogen industry.
However, LADWP has not yet released an updated cost estimate. Uncertainty in financing also makes it doubtful that 100% green hydrogen will be available, increasing the risk of long-term dependence on the polluting fossil fuel methane gas.
While clean and affordable alternatives such as battery storage, solar and demand response exist today, the price of this hydrogen project diminishes our ability to pay for the expansion of renewable energy. LADWP should release an updated price for Scattergood and explain why proven, more cost-effective clean energy alternatives were not fully considered. Taxpayers cannot afford to waste their money on risky, unproven technology that just became even more expensive.
Leah Garland, Los Angeles
