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« Middletown plane crash survivor remains critical | Today | 4 men in ICE custody after N. Kingstown traffic stop » July 10, 2008Update: PUC OKs increase in gas, electricity ratesAs expected, the state Public Utilities Commission has approved a 21.7-percent increase in the price National Grid charges its customers for electricity and an 8-percent increase in the price it charges customers for natural gas. The combined increases, which go into effect July 15, would raise the average utility bill for a typical home heated by gas by almost $30 a month. The increase would be higher in winter months and lower in summer months. National Grid requested the increase because the company says it's paying more to purchase electricity and natural gas. The PUC put a time limit on the natural gas increase, however, approving it only through Nov. 1. The PUC's approval comes as little surprise. In an interview this week, PUC Chairman Elia Germani says the PUC has little leeway in cases where a utility is simply passing on increases it pays for energy. Under such circumstances, state statute limits the commission to decising three questions: Did the utility make “prudent” decisions in buying the energy that led to the higher costs? Are the numbers the utility cited in requesting the increase correct? When will the increase take effect? The increase in the gas rate was slightly less -- about two cents -- than National Grid had requested, which brought the projected 10-percent increase down to 8 percent. National Grid, Rhode Island's dominant utility company, provides electricity to 477,000 customers in 38 communities and natural gas to about 245,000 customers in 33 communities.
Posted by Jack Perry CommentsDennis | July 10, 2008 2:55 PM link Has the PUC ever denied a rate increase from a utility? Who is the PUC looking after anyhow? Typical of Rhode Island...a commision that is over paid with tax payer money and receiving kickbacks from the utilities. At the end of the day...they just don't care! How can I get on board? Bob | July 10, 2008 3:11 PM link I wish that I could go to my employer and say "Hey I need a 21% increase in my pay every week because of rising fuel costs!!!!!" They would laugh at me. Everyone understands that rising fuel costs hits everyone, and all the big companies raise their prices but our paychecks are still the same. Constance | July 10, 2008 3:21 PM link Things are getting totally out of control! How are people supposed to make it in this day and age, never mind the poor kids that are trying to get out on their own, it's just not possible. Andrea | July 10, 2008 3:55 PM link The only problem is that OUR PAYS are not increasing.... does anyone understand why there is so much forclosure and homelessness??? NO ONE CAN AFFORD ANY OF THIS!!!! There needs to be an end in site.... Renee | July 11, 2008 6:15 AM link These companies Should be "Charged" with Crimes against Humanity Or "Piracy"!!! They are Ripping us off! Someone needs to freeze the Stock trading of these Oil and Utilities Companies! The world was a Much better place Before we had Global Capitalization!!!! We're not stupid just Defense less!!! We are the People!!! These Big Companies that are Stealing our Money..Need to be shutdown!!!! At this Rate we'll end up back in the Days of the West...No lights, Heat or running water!!!!! Only the rich can indulge in these Accessories!!!Ugh!!! Tray | July 11, 2008 8:51 AM link I make what would be condsidered a good pay in this state, as the majority of the few available jobs are minimum wage or just above, and I still don't make enough money to live. I'm talking just the basics like rent, food, phone...I don't have a cell phone, no car payment (just the expense of keeping a 7 year old car running)I have the very basic cable tv available (for reception. What do I cut out of my budget? I need a car (need to get to work), I need a telephone, my cable bill is aprox $15- without cable I would not be able to watch any tv...If I cut that, then I might as well move to Amish country. This state needs to create better paying jobs. I really don't know how people making $12-$15 per hour are surviving...I make more and can barely get by. Kennedy, Whitehouse, Reed, Carcieri, you asked for my help at election time...NOW I NEED YOUR HELP K | July 11, 2008 10:07 AM link Okay, I am in the same boat as everyone else with having to face rising expenses, but what is the solution? If the utility companies don't get money to pay for their energy source to provide to their customers, are they just supposed to take the loss? That would be like any other store buying something for one price then selling it for less. In the end, it's the speculators that are driving up the price of these commodities. The utility companies are just in the middle, between the source and the consumers. Are you all saying that someone else should take the hit? Who? The taxpayers through the government? Aren't we all taxpayers? Do you want our taxes to be higher so that the government will pay for our energy? I kind of like the idea of a windfall tax on the energy companies on their record-breaking PROFITS. Dan-o | July 11, 2008 7:34 PM link Post a commentPlease be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish. |
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ProJo 9 to 5 News Blog
Oct 2005 - March 2006
This is NUTS to approve these increases!
We will all be broke before Christmas!
These are all the Governors appointments!
Thank you PUC and Governor!