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LPEA announces electricity rates won't increase in 2010
Utility warns things could change in 2011
Herald Staff ReportTerry Alley, the board's president, said the cooperative still has an obligation to maintain the two-county electrical system.
"What we have done, however, is scrutinize all potential projects and expenses to ensure that we will not have to raise rates in 2010, plus we were able to increase our efforts and funding for energy efficiency programs," he said in a written statement.
Greg Munro, the co-op's chief executive officer, said the rate freeze for 2010 may be the last for LPEA customers because of new and pending federal and state laws and regulations. Costs are also rising for Tri-State Generation and Transmission, which provides the electricity that LPEA distributes to its 30,000 customers.
"It's unfortunately unsustainable," Munro said. "One way we are helping our members keep their electricity costs down now and in future years, is significant investment in energy efficiency education and programs."
Munro said customers' consumption has dropped accordingly, and for 2010, LPEA is budgeting about $2 million for energy-efficiency efforts.
The co-op plans to spend $47 million in 2010 on infrastructure construction and repair.
Overall, LPEA is budgeting for $97 million in revenue and $96.5 million in expenses.
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Thursday, November 19, 2009
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Matt says...
Electric rates won't increase this year? How about them DECREASING??? And why are natural gas rates only being lowered 20% when the cost of natural gas has dropped by over 50%??? I complained about the high rates of natural gas last winter to ATMOS, when the cost had already plummeted, and was met with inacccurate claims, and resistance from the gas company as to why I was even enquiring.
The abuse of American consumers continues unabated...