BGE Rate Hike and the Special Legislative Session
I am not a happy camper this morning. Beginning July 1, BGE customers will be faced with a 72% increase in our electric rates. Our trusted leaders in the legislature are meeting today in a special session to develop a plan regarding the rate hike. The plan being discussed today allows for a 15% increase beginning in July through the next 11 months. In addition, we will pay a surcharge of $2.19 per month for the next ten years. Doesn't sound too bad, right? But wait there's more.
Unfortunately, what they are not discussing, at least not publicly, is what will we do in 11 months when customers begin paying market rates? What will the increase be then? 80%, 90%, 120%? The most disturbing thing about the current plan is the fact that we will all be FORCED into it. Our legislature, led by the wonderful Mike Miller, is taking away our power to decide for ourselves what is best for our families. There is no option to "opt out" as there was in plans that were approved previously. WE WILL HAVE NO CHOICE!
I personally am not interested in paying BGE any surcharge or interest on money I will owe them anyway. The 72% increase will be difficult for my family to manage, but I would rather pay it up front than pay surcharges or interest on deferred payments. How is that financially smart? I am really angered by the fact that I will be forced into a plan that I do not agree with.
What burns me even more, is that we would not be in this position if it were not for the law suit that the City of Baltimore filed against the PSC. Since when does the City of Baltimore get to decide what works for the entire state? Thank you Mayor O'Malley! The plan that was in place before the City's lawsuit deferred the pain for those who truly could not afford the rate hike, and let us each decide what would work best for us.
If you are as upset about this matter as I am I urge you to do something about it. Don't just sit there and nod your head and complain to your neighbor. Find out who your local representatives are by going here. Enter your street address and city and information on your representatives will appear on the left side of the screen. Each name will be a link to how you can contact that person. Email your representative and tell them that this plan doesn't work. I contacted my local representatives this morning, and then sent a web mail to the governor urging him to veto this legislation if it is put before him in its current form. We want a choice. We want our power back to make decisions regarding our own financial future!
Unfortunately, what they are not discussing, at least not publicly, is what will we do in 11 months when customers begin paying market rates? What will the increase be then? 80%, 90%, 120%? The most disturbing thing about the current plan is the fact that we will all be FORCED into it. Our legislature, led by the wonderful Mike Miller, is taking away our power to decide for ourselves what is best for our families. There is no option to "opt out" as there was in plans that were approved previously. WE WILL HAVE NO CHOICE!
I personally am not interested in paying BGE any surcharge or interest on money I will owe them anyway. The 72% increase will be difficult for my family to manage, but I would rather pay it up front than pay surcharges or interest on deferred payments. How is that financially smart? I am really angered by the fact that I will be forced into a plan that I do not agree with.
What burns me even more, is that we would not be in this position if it were not for the law suit that the City of Baltimore filed against the PSC. Since when does the City of Baltimore get to decide what works for the entire state? Thank you Mayor O'Malley! The plan that was in place before the City's lawsuit deferred the pain for those who truly could not afford the rate hike, and let us each decide what would work best for us.
If you are as upset about this matter as I am I urge you to do something about it. Don't just sit there and nod your head and complain to your neighbor. Find out who your local representatives are by going here. Enter your street address and city and information on your representatives will appear on the left side of the screen. Each name will be a link to how you can contact that person. Email your representative and tell them that this plan doesn't work. I contacted my local representatives this morning, and then sent a web mail to the governor urging him to veto this legislation if it is put before him in its current form. We want a choice. We want our power back to make decisions regarding our own financial future!
posted by mother juggler @ 9:48 AM
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