Quote:
Originally Posted by Rochard
I've always said local politics is much more important than national politics. What ever happens in Washington DC has little impact on each of us. But if your garbage isn't picked up once a week that has a huge impact on your life.
We have a big power company out here, PG&E, and you can say what you want about them. They are a big company, they have issues, but they have been my power company for thirty-five years or so. No complaints.
A new company came out, and made a deal with the city government where I live... They will automatically switch your power over to this new company if you do not opt out. There was a lot of discussion about it when they first came out. The people who went with the new company pay about $5 less than the rest of us.
This week it was announced this new company will be rising their rates by 17%.
The reason my city allowed this to happen where you automatically get switched unless you opt out is because they city gets a cut of the profits.....
That's some fucked up shit.
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I believe you are misreading what has happened, and I can't say that for sure in your instance but it sounds like it.
Part of utility 'de-regulation' allowed the local governing authority to 'make a deal (bad choice of words)' and reset everyone's connection to a particular common carrier. It only effects those in the jurisdiction of that governing authority.
Now it may play a bit different in your state that I'm guessing is CA, but normally state guidelines/laws/rules prohibit that governing authority from making a profit on a utility service. But it does not mean that they can't preform some work to that body at a discounted rate. Could be even lowering the rate of street lights, traffic signals etc.
But you do have a choice at the outset to keep your service as it was if you submit the proper paperwork ( i think that is federally mandated with the new regulations)
As I have seen this take effect in at least 3 different states, I always state to everyone effected to keep with your original service for 3 years and see what it's like.
But people are greedy and will always take the bait.
And they do not exactly understand the documentation provided or the cost of switching after the initial period. Most do nothing and are switched by the agreement of the local authority (city, township, borough, county, parish)
De-regulation was a joke. Lucky for me I have had a solar home for 20 years now.
But the fully delivered rate went from 8.65 cents KWHR to 16.4 once it was in effect.
But of course they tell me I could shop around for a better rate on the 'electricity' but the delivery I am paying is as much as everything was before. So the trick is to use less (from them)
I am about to add 6kw of new solar panels to my collection of panels once I finish building a new man cave. And might go totally off grid in the next year with a small propane standby generator. I still have heavy loads like welding and large air compressors etc.
I take the opinion that everything is a scam until I see otherwise because pretty much, that's how it's been. Don't let your greed get the best of you. They are counting on it.