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Thursday, January 29, 2009 10:25 AM Electric rates still going up Board member wants meeting with state, federal officials By Rochelle Moore | Times Staff Writer Concern about the spiraling cost of electricity overshadowed almost three hours worth of reports, presentations and financial updates by ElectriCities staff Wednesday. Andre Knight, a Rocky Mount councilman, continued to press his concerns about electric rates during the monthly meeting of the N.C. Eastern Municipal Power Agency board in Wilson. Electric rates have been a source of contention for many residents living in the NCEMPA service area, including Wilson. NCEMPA increased electric rates 14 percent in August and an additional 4 percent rate increase will take effect Sunday. "We must have some serious dialog," said Knight, also a member of the NCEMPA board. "We are sent here to represent our citizens. If we don't wake up and have a candid discussion ... we're going to see a groundswell of activist citizens bombard this building." Knight asked the board to consider bringing in state and federal legislators in an effort to explore whether any state or federal help is available to alleviate NCEMPA's rising energy costs. Knight is also interested in finding if there is a fair way to restructure NCEMPA's debt that could provide some relief. "How much can one person stand?" Knight said. "How can we get some relief?" Paul Fisher, Southport alderman and NCEMPA chairman, said that he and ElectriCities Interim CEO Art Hubert, were already working at state and federal levels trying to address those concerns. "Everyone at this table has empathy for our constituents," Hubert said. Mike Colo, ElectriCities' attorney, suggested that Knight work with ElectriCities staff to develop a plan and present it to the board during its February board meeting. Colo also told the board that it has a legal obligation to set electric rates at a level that will cover its costs. "While the agency and the staff are not unmindful of the economy, they are trying to do what they can," Colo said. "(They) try every day to provide the cities with their wholesale power at the least cost possible and in the most efficient way." Instead of waiting until next month, Knight asked the board to vote on having state and national leaders attend a future NCEMPA meeting to discuss their concerns. The board backed Knight's request. "With the current condition of the economy and the power agency, I think there needs to be a reshuffling of the debt," said James Mills, Scotland Neck mayor and NCEMPA member. "We need to go to these elected officials and see what they can do to help." In other matters, the board voted to have a March workshop to learn about how electric rate decisions are made. The board also talked at length about upcoming renewable energy requirements, which begin in 2012. ElectriCities staff are recommending that the 32 municipalities allow ElectriCities to find ways the municipalities can meet the requirements. "What we do is go out and see what programs other utilities are using," said Cecil Rhodes, NCEMPA division director. "Right now, we're trying to find programs that cost the least." If the municipalities do not work with ElectriCities, they will have to submit their own renewable energy plans to the state. The board will revisit the issue during its next board meeting Feb. 18. The NCEMPA board meets once a month in the Wilson Operations Center. rochelle@wilsontimes.com | 265-7818 |
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Disgusted Wilsonian said...
I agree with one poster's rape comment. It does seem as if whatever the "great city" lays down, we're supposed to lie down and take it. Whenever you speak with someone in the utilities customer service, it's your fault, not there's. If you ask me, a lot of this town's "secretive processes" are illegal. I wish someone would really investigate them. This many people can't be wrong. On the former forum, and this post, people are sharing tbe same experiences. Something needs to be done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, February 08, 2009 at 2:44 PM
TheHotCorner said...I agree with one poster's rape comment. It does seem as if whatever the "great city" lays down, we're supposed to lie down and take it. Whenever you speak with someone in the utilities customer service, it's your fault, not there's. If you ask me, a lot of this town's "secretive processes" are illegal. I wish someone would really investigate them. This many people can't be wrong. On the former forum, and this post, people are sharing tbe same experiences. Something needs to be done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, February 08, 2009 at 2:44 PM
The fact that the debt service extends to the year 2026 is mine-boggling! Wilson's part of the debt was reported to be $400 million in a WDT January 3rd, 2009 article. This Electricities debt service is going to PARALYZE Wilson's future economic growth. Cheap electricity is critical for manufacturing growth. It's going to take a bold move by one of the member cities to solve this problem. Which city will it be?
Friday, January 30, 2009 at 5:05 PM
What are the Local Elected Officials Doing for us?
Friday, January 30, 2009 at 11:26 AM
I admit, I'm not a big fan of Andre Knight, the Rocky Mount councilman, but why is he the only public official speaking out on this issue? Give the man his due: He is trying to look out for his constituents! Where are the Wilson representatives on this issue? Why is Wilson always silent?
Friday, January 30, 2009 at 10:56 AM
My thermostat is set on 62 and the utility bill is still $400.00. How much more do they want? People I talk with outside this Co-op think our bills are ridiculous. Their bills seem to never be over $200.00 and they are much, much warmer than me. It is not only me, but others in our neighborhood have the same high bills, some going over $1000.00. I guess it's "A Wilson thing"!!
Friday, January 30, 2009 at 9:17 AM
