Q: We are planning looking to build on Lake Travis and have heard that LCRA plans to raise the 100-year floodplain. Is this true? If so, what will the new elevation be?

A: Actually, LCRA does not set floodplain elevations. That's done by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The new proposed floodplain for Lake Travis would be 722 feet above mean sea level (6 feet above its current elevation) and is scheduled to take effect June 17, 2008.

For more information, you may want to contact the Travis County floodplain administrator, Stacey Scheffel, at (512) 854-9383, or e-mail her at stacey.scheffel@co.travis.tx.us. The Texas Colorado River Floodplain Coalition is also a good source of information.

Q: I am planning to build a home and would like to use as much solar power as I can afford to install. Does LCRA or its wholesale customers have programs to help offset the cost of installation and buy any excess energy that is generated?

A: While LCRA is committed to using renewable energy sources (wind, water and biogas), LCRA does not offer rebates to retail electric consumers served by its wholesale electric customers. You may want to contact your local electric provider for information on any suggestions or rebates concerning home solar energy use.

The federal government offers a rebate opportunity. The 2005 Federal Energy Bill provides a 30 percent tax credit, capped at $2,000, for residential solar installations placed in service after Dec. 31, 2005, and before Jan. 1, 2008. Commercial solar installations get a 30 percent tax credit until Jan. 1, 2008.

When researching ways to reduce the cost of your solar project, keep in mind that reducing the amount of energy you use can go a long way toward reducing the cost of a renewable energy project. As a rule, every $1 you spend on reducing your consumption (for example, switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs and upgrading to efficient appliances) will translate into savings of $3 to $5 in equipment costs.

Have a question about LCRA or its operations, facilities and programs? E-mail your question to ASKLCRA@lcra.org.

Starting in June 2008, Lake Travis will undergo a change in elevation due to the newly proposed guidelines set by FEMA.

LCRA is proud to include wind power as a part of its renewable energy sources portfolio.