I have read with concern the letters regarding new energy facilities for the island. My family and I live here and participate in PSE’s demand-response pilot, which will help to conserve energy and smooth future power demand.

I urge everyone who is concerned about electromagnetic fields and power lines to read the literature. Research findings are not conclusive. Rather, they are very inconclusive. Scientists responsible for the Draper study cannot explain their results.

Unequivocally, though, they state that their research did not establish a cause-and-effect relationship.

Compare EMF exposures of common household appliances like TV, refrigerators and computers with the EMF measurements from the proposed lines and substation.

Our appliances pose a far greater hazard. And neither our appliances nor the proposed lines represent the kind of risk we assume daily when we cross the street or ride in a car.

PSE rates must be uniform throughout its territory. In other words, regardless of whether investments are made in Bellingham, Bellevue or Bainbridge, we all pay the same rates.

Even if PSE does not invest here, we will still pay the same rates as everyone else, receive no benefit and unnecessarily risk future island outages. As well, the proposed facility expansion will eventually be required for a full build-out of PSE’s Smart Grid system.

Our community is growing and requiring more energy every day. Energy conservation is important and we all need to do what we can, but conservation alone won’t solve our need for additional capacity.

We should welcome PSE investments to help secure our energy future.

Elaine Davis is an economist who consults with energy organizations in Washington State and nationally, including with PSE.