Contact Energy still has some homework to do before making a decision on its preferred option or options for hydro-electric development on the Clutha River.
Just over a year ago, the power company outlined details of proposed options for dams at Tuapeka Mouth, Queensberry, Luggate and Beaumont, costing between $300 million and $1.5 billion.
It sought feedback on the options, saying there was no "preferred option" at that stage.
Contact hydro project manager Neil Gillespie said yesterday the company was still carrying out background studies into the potential impacts and benefits of the various options, ahead of making an "informed decision" on its preferred choice.
It was likely to make its decision in the latter half of this year.
"We will not be rushing into a decision - we'll be working through it in a considered manner, looking at all the factors," Mr Gillespie said.
"We're continuing to talk to the various groups and individuals in the communities affected; that's been really useful."
Mr Gillespie has talked to a diverse range of organisations, including Grey Power in Balclutha, the Millers Flat residents' and ratepayers' group and the Roxburgh Rotary Club.
The background studies included investigations on roading, economic, environmental and social impacts, transmission requirements and energy production from each option.
The schemes were first mooted more than 20 years ago and all originated from proposals by Contact's predecessor, the Electricity Corporation of New Zealand.
