Contact Energy is keeping quiet on how much money its investigation into a possible new hydro-electric dam on the Clutha River might cost and is unlikely to ever reveal the final bill.
The power company has spent all year researching and revisiting four decades-old plans for dams on the river.
Its focus has been on early proposals at Queensberry, Luggate, Beaumont and Tuapeka Mouth.
It has appointed Clyde-based manager Neil Gillespie to head the project and is using experts in engineering and other areas to explore the best option.
Although that and other work being conducted behind the scenes is likely to be expensive, Contact spokesman Jonathan Hill would not be drawn into outlining how much money was being poured into the project.
"We are putting a lot of effort and lot of work into ensuring we are getting the best information we can . . .
"I think it's important for people to have confidence in the process we are following," he said.
He declined to comment on how much had been spent by Contact to date.
"That is something that we would not disclose," Mr Hill said.
Contact had yet to confirm exactly when it will announce its preferred option.
It hopes to soon release computer animated graphics on how the four new dams might look.
It has previously said it would announce its pick of the four proposals early next year.
