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 should shift its largest gasoline energy plant to hydrogen,” Oct. 29).
With federal funding lower, ratepayers largely would shoulder the total value of the estimated $800-million mission, a price ticket that lawyer Theo Caretta factors out is “a number of years outdated and certain an underestimation,” in response to the article. The mission might be costlier now, given federal actions derailing the hydrogen trade.
But LADWP nonetheless hasn’t launched an up to date value estimate. Unsure funding additionally makes it uncertain that 100% inexperienced hydrogen shall be out there, heightening the danger of long-term reliance on polluting methane gasoline — a fossil gasoline.
Whereas clear, inexpensive options like battery storage, photo voltaic power and demand response exist right now, this hydrogen mission’s price ticket diminishes our capability to pay for expanded renewables. LADWP should launch an up to date price ticket for Scattergood and clarify why more economical, confirmed clean-energy options weren’t completely thought of. Ratepayers can’t afford to have their cash wasted on dangerous, unproven expertise that simply turned much more pricey.
Leah Garland, Los Angeles
