Ala. Power 'very concerned' about drought conditions

By Scott Wright

Alabama Power Co. spokesman Buddy Eiland told The Post on Friday his company remains "very concerned" about drought conditions in Alabama that continue to adversely affect the water level in Weiss Lake.

"These past two months have been probably the driest we've ever seen," said Eiland. "The level in Weiss Lake has continued down towards 563 ft. (above sea level)."

Eiland said nothing has changed from the company's perspective since The Post reported on efforts to bring the reservoir up to full summer pool (564 ft.) a few weeks ago.

He said an advertisement the company ran in The Post and other publications in northeast Alabama in recent weeks amounted to a "company statement" of Alabama Power's intentions to do all it can to keep an acceptable amount of water in Weiss.

"We took what steps we could to get the lake levels up earlier this year," Eiland said. "We're still very concerned about the drought conditions, and we felt this was the most prudent way to handle the situation."

Eiland said Alabama Power cannot completely close off the dam in an attempt to maintain a consistent level of water in the lake because of federal licensing agreements.

"We have to release a certain amount of water because of environmental concerns and minimum flow requirements," he said.

Eiland said Alabama Power is trying to make the best out of a bad situation by generating some power during those required releases.

"We run the water we have to let out through the turbines," he said.