Oregon Public Broadcasting

The average price for a gallon of gas in the state has dropped to $1.80, according to AAA.

But that doesn’t mean alternative energy projects across the state are being put on hold.

A geothermal power plant project south of Bend is still proceeding, although developers say they haven’t found the energy source they need yet.

Davenport Power removed its 180-foot-tall drilling rig from the Newberry Crater after the second well it drilled didn’t contain the hot water necessary for the project.

Doug Perry is the president of Davenport Power.

Doug Perry: “What’s the nature of this recession? How long will it last? I’m not sure anybody truly knows. It’s not something that is going to have a long-term impact on projects like ours. It is true that credit markets are dried, but we are not at the point where we are out seeking to build, yet.”

Perry says the company plans on using the data from its first two wells to decide where to drill next. He says the company remains confident there is enough hot water on the site for the project.

He says the company hopes to proceed with its next step by the end of January.