statutory structure to a federal government corporation. We are in the process of 

 analyzing how this transformation might be accomplished. 



While we are looking at BPA's authorities and identifying what might change under a 

 different structure for Bonneville, I can provide you some assurances. This effort is 

 designed to improve management efficiency. The Department does not intend to 

 modify the basic mission of the Bonneville Power Administration including power 

 supply, rate setting or environmental protection. In addition, DOE does not intend that 

 any proposal would modify the relationship between Bonneville and the Congress, or 

 the President, or between Bonneville and the Northwest states and the Regional Power 

 Planning Council. 



Conclusion 



Mr. Chairman, I will close by saying that the Department of Energy is cognizant of the 

 important role the Bonneville Power Administration plays in the region. We are taking 

 actions to keep rates as low as possible in order to assure that Bonneville will be able to 

 continue to fulfill its important mandates in the region. 



This concludes my testimony, I would be pleased to respond to your questions. 



