Posted on Tue, Dec. 17, 2002

Line not needed

The Pioneer Press has reported extensively on Xcel Energy's financial stress, which is said to have resulted in the company's skipping of routine maintenance.

This cash shortage may help explain why Xcel abandoned its plans to build a new transmission power line on the western half of its southeast metro right of way. Nevertheless, it is persisting with its plans to build a new line on the eastern half of the right of way, even though this new line would pass within 20 feet of dozens of homes.

It is now scientifically proven that, at that distance, transmission power lines are linked to an increased risk of contracting deadly diseases.

This new line would cost more that $500,000, on top of the approximately $300,000 Xcel has spent in legal proceedings.

There is no need for the new line. Demand for electricity is declining. The only justification for the line was developed by an Xcel consultant, who suggested it would be useful should Xcel build other new lines in the future.

ROGER CONANT

Sunfish Lake

The writer is president of the Power Line Task Force