Okay, that's not actually a question because I'm not sure it has an answer... BUT while I realize that "everyone's out to make a buck" why do you think every single ONE of my utilities has risen in cost in the last few months? Why do the utility corporations think common folks in a horrid economy can help get THEIR profits up when everyone is hurting so much? My electric has risen dramatically and they're even offering payment plans now.. it's like 30% increase. Cable is up... phone bill is up. All at the same time our 25% pay cut took effect. How do they think people are going to do it? Or don't they care? Or maybe it's just my area? Has everything risen in your part of the country or world, too? </rant> hehe
When people cut back, utilities have to make up the difference between the expected profit margins and the realities of conservation, alternative fuels, and money saving steps the common person takes. It's one of the horrible consequences of expecting economic growth instead of planning for sustainability, IMHO.
This seems to be the right answer if there is one, yes. In trying to make things better for themselves, the "common folks" sometimes have to suffer the consequences while "the big guys" don't do much of anything.
You know, if you're upset about rate hikes, etc., where else can you go? I don't know if it would even be possible to have competition in the energy area, but it would sure be sweet if you could have a choice...
The timing is really interesting. Raising the prices when the weather is getting warmer hides the impact you will feel when days grow shorter, and colder, again in the fall and winter. Sneaky little devils, aren't they?
We actually do have a choice in electricity providers. They keep sending literature in the mail but I've not had the nerve to change. I'm not sure I'd trust a seconary company like that to have uninterrupted service, etc. So even though there's a choice, most people stick with the familiar.
Our energy provider keeps sending an offer that will save money during the summer. They want to put a special meter on my central air to control its energy usage. Thing is, we don't have central air. We have a window unit in the kitchen and circulate the cooled air using ceiling fans. Do you think we would save more mo ney with central air, instead of using the method that has been working for ore than 10 years?
