May 7th, 2008 by john 
in Categories: 
As if it’s not bad enough gas prices have spiraled out of control, then food prices shot through the roof, it now it looks like electricity is poised to take off. After walking my dog this morning, I sat down to eat breakfast with my daughter. I picked up the morning paper and on the front page was “Dominion Power Seeks State’s OK to Raise Rates 18%”. Eighteen percent! Are they crazy? How much more do these companies think we can take? The newspaper article sites higher coal and natural gas prices as the justification for the increase. I understand that these commodities have increased dramatically. I do. I get it. But honestly, 18% increase in one whack. Seems excessive. And look a few sentences back. The reason is higher “natural gas” prices. So it is probably safe to assume that Virginia Natural Gas will be looking for a substantial increase next. And, you can bet that Electric Companies in every state will be following suite, sooner or later. Looks like one day we might be eating canned beans around a camp fire on the back patio. I wonder if I can fit a wind turbine in my back yard?
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
The can of beans around a fire is starting to sound pretty good about now. Great blog and I will be back for more!
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John reply on May 8th, 2008 7:28 am:
Heidi – I hope it doesn’t really come down to that!
Thanks for stopping by! I’m glad you enjoy, I am a fan of your blog as well! http://healthnutwannabeemom.blogspot.com/ You offer some great advice!
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Hi John,
They have already raised our rates on the electric bill 2 times in Missouri. The first time was when they went through and replaced the poles and electric lines. So, we had to help pay for that. Last months bill, they charged us a CUSTOMER CHARGE of $24.00. We didn’t even use that electricity. Pretty sad, but I have to have electric to live. Just thankful my husband has a job and is able to take care of our family. Wishing you a wonderful day!
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Energy lobbyist, the companies they work for, and government officials seem to keep pushing US citizens with these increases. Why? It’s to make that mighty dollar. Obviously to the expense of others, especially the middle class (a dying lot). I ponder, are our forefathers rolling over in their graves considering how our government continues to proceed with their self-interest in the power industry. Especially, during the campaign season. Sometimes, I wonder if these are strategic ways to get the people to vote, and vote a particular way. Anyway, when power companies began to developing these lavish rate plans on how you can pay for your energy, I believe that was a mile marker for continual cost increase. Now they are trying to do this with gas. Watch how this moves our nation in an entirely different direction. Fear is a great motivating factor, but so is the thrive to survive. I appreciate your article.
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Increases in the rates for electricity have a very positive aspect as well. As fossil fuel energy continues to become more and more expensive, alternative sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal all of a sudden are much more economically feasible.
Here in Iowa, wind energy continues its steady growth, and I think it’s tremendously exciting. As coal becomes more expensive, wind will continue to grow and prosper here. So there’s a bright side to this issue too; but it would still be rotten to see your bill go up 18% overnight!
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I read a similar story on the price of electricity online. But even before that my electric bill more than doubled what it was a year ago and that was for this winter. I hate to see what it will be when the weather really gets hot.
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