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Juneau residents who appeared before the Regulatory Commission of Alaska during a public comment session all favored Alaska Electric Light & Power’s proposed rate increase.
Five locals showed up early Tuesday morning to make their voices heard.
RCA is holding hearings throughout the week to evaluate AEL&P’s request of a permanent 22 percent rate increase in energy charge components. A large part of the proceedings will examine the hydroelectric project at Lake Dorothy. Those that spoke in the hearings’ only scheduled public input session defended the utility’s practices and use of hydroelectric power.
Rick Shattuck, an insurance broker who works with AEL&P, spoke in favor of the company, saying he has found it to be a highly ethical company. He said that even with an increase, Juneau’s power rates would still be competitive with those in the state and at national levels. He also said the rates would still be better than those under diesel power, referring to AEL&P’s use of hydro power.
Next was Cathie Roemmich, chief executive officer for the Juneau Chamber of Commerce. She described how utility rates have been able to stay relatively low in Juneau compared to other areas that have seen rising electricity costs during the last 15 years. She credited this to the utility’s work and spoke admirably of its efforts, even in bad weather.
Roemmich added that Juneau also has a utility advantage in that because of its hydro capabilities, it doesn’t face as big of a threat from high oil prices as other places. She said her work through the Chamber has even allowed her to visit Lake Dorothy.
Shattuck and Roemmich also stated that Juneau People’s Power Project does not represent them.
Another speaker was James Clark, who directly said he’s in favor of the rate increase, particularly for the message it sends for hydro development.
Clark said the increase will encourage more hydro facilities and there are many communities looking at such possibilities. He said this is especially beneficial to rural areas, which can pay more than 60 cents per kilowatt-hour.
“In Southeast, one of the things we can do is build hydro facilities,” said Clark.
He said this encouragement is particularly needed for private sector investors, as he doubts state grants will continue for such projects and so private development is needed.
He said the increase sends a message to private developers that they will be able to recover their costs.
He added that, as with any rate increase, AEL&P must make sure the amount is fair.
In July, 2010, RCA granted AEL&P and interim rate increase of 20 percent on energy and demand charges, which works out to about an 18 percent overal rate increase. That means a residential customer now pays 11.56 cents per kilowatt hour for power from November to May (peak) and 9.5 cents per kWh from June to October (off-peak), up from 9.63 and 7.92 cents per kWh, respectively, according to information found on AEL&P’s website. If AEL&P receives the permanent rate increase it has requested, rates would rise again to 11.94 cents per kWH during peak months and 9.82 cents per kWh in off-peak times.
Dan Lesh, an energy coordinator with Southeast Alaska Conservation Council, also feels the rate increase could be a good way to encourage productivity from the long-term perspective. He said hydro power is something SEACC has been trying to encourage.
Another citizen, Fred Morino, said he feels the rate increase is justified and that, while hydro projects are expensive, a 2 cents per kilowatt-hour increase sounds reasonable. He added he feels AEL&P has done a fantastic job in Southeast Alaska.
The RCA went into the scheduled hearing following the comments.
• Contact reporter Jonathan Grass at 523-2276 or at jonathan.grass@juneauempire.com.
Comments (58)
Add commentSo two of the five are back
So two of the five are back pocket AEL&P employees. Not too suprising there, and one of the remaining three states "He added that, as with any rate increase, AEL&P must make sure the amount is fair." I think that is the main point. Most people would have been able to accept a moderate increase of 5%. 20% doesnt seem fair. I would think that most projects are looking at a 20 yr return on investment. That seems fair. AEL&P comes across as thinking a 2 yr ROI is forcing them to suffer. They hide behind spins and redirects and have yet to be upfront and honest. I would have much more respect for them if they simply said "Our investors want to be paid back in full in two years and then want two more years at the same rate to pad their pockets." I still wouldnt like it, but at least I would feel they were being honest.
I think if you have the public comment after work hours instead of not publicised at all, and from 8-9am on a weekday, you might get a different outlook. Sorry, we are all busy working to pay for our electric bill!
Rate Increase
This reporter is making false statements by saying in the headlines that public comments favor rate increase! Five people are not the majority of the people of Juneau, and those 5 were obviously affiliated with AEL&P. Eight in the morning is a difficult time for the majority of working class citizens to give testimony. It is these people that JPPP hopefully represent. Is this reporter forgetting that at the first public testimony more that 200 people showed against the rate hike
Charge Me More!
Sure we've all got lots of money; let's give it to AEL&P. They do a fantastic job(say avalanche x 2) and they deserve the $$$$. Since we're installing parking meters why not raise the sales tax a bit and add a few more mills to the property tax. I just have so many extra $$$$$ and nothing to do with them!!
5 ppl makes a town?/
I am sorry, but someone who WORKS with AEL&P shouldnt speak for the town in favor of jacking our rates.. he will be making more money insuring the dam..
As a customer who is on an extremely fixed income and disabled.. I can NOT afford anymore rate increases.. I dont get raises, the gas is up, food is up, water bill is up, trash is up, cable and everything across the boards in bills are up. How much more does the power company think they deserve from us.. sorry you can get blood from a turnip and your killing us now. make the meetings in the evenings when normal WORKING folks can attend when they dont have to shuffle kids off to school and get to work so we can pay thier ransom fees...
AELP you need more money.. then stop buying brand new trucks for the meter readers to drive every year, and make them TURN them off when not in use.. I watched a neighbor take a truck home for lunchbreak and the entire time he had it running.. I watched this for 5yrs, everyday like clockwork
Rick Shattuck huh, Any
Rick Shattuck huh, Any relation to Allen Shattuck of Alaskan civil rights fame.
Juneau Sen. Allen Shattuck, who opposed the bill, who asked, "Who are these people, barely out of savagery, who want to associate with us whites, with 5,000 years of recorded civilization behind us?
While Allan Shattuck represented stupidity, Rick Shattuck represents greed, he works for them too.
Electrical rate increase.
Eleven cents a kwh, and you are complaining? Try 66 cents before the PCE kicks in, then still paying 34 cents. Come on people, get real. How about spending some of that extra AEL&P money on some interties to the rural communities, Hoonah, Tenakee Springs, Angoon. We would gladly pay 11 even 12 cents a khw and not complain one little bit.
Wow...
Hey Mr. James Clark. I understand you believe in expanded hydro development. So we foot the bill for this development so AEL&P shareholders can reap the profits. If AEL&P makes a profit from it their shareholders make the money, if AEL&P takes a hit they just raise our electric rates.
If we are footing the bill for all of this hydro development, we should all become shareholders?
Rick Shattuck, I'm glad you feel that way. This is how I feel about your opinion. Since you support me paying a 22% rate increase on my electric, I won't be supporting your home/business.
Cathie Roemmich, I'll be sure to let you know what I think of you the next time I run into you. In fact I hope sometime soon you are removed from your position at the Chamber of Commerce as I believe you supporting this action proves you do not have the best interest of Juneau at heart. You may not be the person we should have representing us at the Chamber of Commerce.
I'm not disagreeing with a rate hike, but after I spend THOUSANDS of dollars on electric because of avalanches and poor planning by AEL&P, I believe that trying to push through a 22% rate hike is utterly insane!
Conflict of interest?
Uh, obviously. So they are CLEARLY misrepresenting their positions as voices for Juneau.
To Mr "I'm worse then parnell?" Clark. Everyone can support hydro without supporting AEL&P.
Bottom line? Still a hostage populace. AEL&P STILL not complying with Fed mandate of net metering. AEL&P STILL giving lower rates to other groups instead of the locals. AEL&P STILL believes they should bear no business risk, the owners insist on making no equity investment of their own, and demand near immediate return on any idea of their own knowing they have no risk and all bills will be passed on to the ratepayers?
Wren, you nailed that one. COOP. Customer shareholder. Screw those AEL&P jerkoffs who intend to squeeze the real customer base as long and hard as they can.
Btw, those new parking meters are stupid. How long is that solar panels going to work with birds pooping on them all the time?
re: bigdan
dude, read back pages from the past.. this increase is an ADDED increase they think the soley deserve just cause of thier stupid mistakes. the increase is added too our already inflated rates from the last few years. its not just 11 cents, they want 33% increase.. my bill will be over 300 a month again real soon.. I just now got it under 247 a month, and thats keeping my ONE thermostat on 67, no other is on in the house, I have 5 blankets on my bed and my kids, even the dog is covered up to keep warm.. you choose to live in a boon town and should expect higher prices on things..
Bigdan, First off, you
Bigdan, First off, you choose to live where ever you are. I would rather live in a cabin in the woods but I have to live in Juneau due to my job. Second, I would love for there to be an intertie to help the smaller communities. I just dont want to be th eone to pay for it. Third, if AEL&P are the one that put it in, they will pass the cost on to us all and you will see your current rate go up by 30%
kpawsuh - but mostly bill.
Just one fine point - it's a little odd to say to someone else that they can "choose to live wherever you are" and then immediately follow it up with a statement saying why you can't live where you'd like to choose. Just saying...
Bill - So, why weren't you at this meeting? You've gone to great lengths to put together this people's power project, and there was notice in advance that the meeting would be happening and that there would be one comment period - - I would have thought that someone with your passion would have been there to comment and gotten a few members of PPP to take an hour or two off of work with you.
swimmergirl
I am on my way now woke late
Keep AEL&P cost down!
I take it they got the power to increase the bill.. Keep it down!! Ael&P .. ya all forget .. We arent rich.. There are about 70 to 80 percent of this town isnt rich... IF ya all charge offically you will see that Everyone will unplug alot of things, Even Shut some busniess down.. And not making much profit.....Then you ( AEL&P) wounder why its not helping Juneau very well.. .....Good luck .... People ya all keep your voice heard!
I do choose to be where I am.
I do choose to be where I am. I just cant make what I make here anywhere else. Its one of those weird complex points but I still opted to put it in there. Dan could move into Juneau and get his cheaper fare. The rag on us for abjecting to getting raped just because he gets raped more is not a sound arguement in my book. Should he be paying that much? No, but that doesnt justify us having to pay more. The reality is they just dont have the population base to be able to defray the costs enough.
KP, I could have supported
KP, I could have supported some of your previous comments, but once you start using the work "rape" as it relates to utility rates, you've gone too far. Honestly, I don't want this rate increase any more than the next guy/girl, but using ridiculous analogies like yours does nothing but offend.
In Skagway
We pay 25 cents a killowatt hour to Alaska Power & Telephone. This after being promised that rates would not go up after they put in Goat Lake Hydro and then Kasidaya. Now they want another one in West Creek in Dyea and want the ciyy ot help them get it. Oh boy, here we go again.
rape...
Please don't be offended by the use of the word "rape". There are two definitions to this word that many it seem are not aware of, not just the one common definition you hear in the police blotter. Go to www.webster.com and type in the word and you will see the definitions. I believe the use here is appropriate as the intent of the word being used here reads, "to seize and take away by force." This is exactly what AEL&P is doing. If AEL&P attempting to force us to pay an extremely ludicrous rate hike due to monopoly, poor planning or bad management and the only alternatives to this are to either move away or live in the stone ages, if this isn't "seizing and taking away by force", I don't know what is.
This word could also be applied to Alaska Airlines...
Thank you Wren. Webster
Thank you Wren. Webster rules, yet again.
?
Where did Jim crawl out from?
IMO
Removing the most often used definition of rape you have left
Rape: –verb (used with object)
7. to plunder (a place); despoil.
8. to seize, take, or carry off by force.
Despoil: –verb (used with object)
to strip of possessions, things of value, etc.; rob; plunder; pillage.
Though its a dramatic and emotion provoking word I do not believe it is accurate. I am totally against AEL&P and what they are doing. But reality is they aren't forcing us to use elec instead of gas appliances. Use dryers instead of hanging clothes up. They aren't forcing us to have endless toys that need to be charged. TV's, cable boxes and computers. All of the things that raise one's elec bill are luxuries.
They are being greedy vultures who want all of their toys and for us to pay for them. It's not right and it's not fair. And being one of the average families in Juneau I for one can't afford all new appliances. I can't afford to just move. And like you I am stuck paying and going without other things I would like and even at times may need, but that doesn't make it rape.
---Wren exactly what are they seizing / taking away? They are not turning off our elec. And they are not forcing us to give them money because we feel the need to have so many elec Dependant items in our lives. Anymore than the AK Air forces us to take vacations.
I always wonder where the anger and outrage is at AK Air, the gas stations, etc.? Where are the groups forming and protesting that? Why aren't we all banning together to stop all of it not just one thing?
Ok thats my rant for the day.
ak_mom
You are correct in that they aren't forcing us to use electric. They do however have a monopoly. Thereby, if I want their service, I have to just take it. And yes, they are taking and seizing my (everyone's) money by force because I'm not going to let my kids go to school without first bathing, wearing clean clothes and eating warm food. Therefore, the word rape is appropriate even if you have personal issue with the use of the word.
Regarding Alaska Airlines and outrage, there isn't much anyone can do. Here is why. They used to have competition but the competition bailed for several reasons. First off Alaska Airlines began their mileage program and therefore State, Federal and even business employees would fly on Alaska Airlines to earn miles. Miles they technically were required to turn in to the agency they worked for but of course never did. The competition didn't offer this program and lost out because of it. The city also in their great wisdom actually sold the concourses rather than lease them like everyone else does. So if anyone wants to compete with Alaska Airlines, they have to park on the tarmac and the passengers will have to deal with the weather. Then top it all off with the fact that Alaska Airlines is contracted with the State of Alaska and the State Travel Office. Many of their employees are former Alaska Airlines employees.
So we could sit on the curb with a picket sign regarding Alaska Airlines, but it won't do any good. They will still make their money off government employees, public servants, etc. I can say this though, if we had a road out of Juneau I would NEVER fly out of here.
Move the Capital to ANC and JNU will see AS rates much higher.
I, myself, complain of the high cost of flying Alaska Air (AS). But, I believe, the cost of flying out of JNU is lower than it would be if the State of Alaska did not contract to fly with AS. There is no collusion between AS and SoA. Move the Capital to ANC and JNU residents will see a surge in ticket prices and/or fewer flights. Home sales will plummet. Rentals will remain vacant. Wages will freeze. Stores will close. Taxes will increase. Electrical rates will climb.
re:teb
its doing that now.. and as for the airlines, they used to give lower fares for families in need due to a death, now they dont.. A child is charged FULL adult fares, and an animal in the cargo hold is charged 150.00 one way.. the ferry isnt any better. Alaska airlines runs out of town any competition who comes in by charging them HUGE gating fees ( mark-air, delta) they couldnt make money coming here.. BUT as for the power company..
PLS go to the meeting,, dont let 5 ppl(who take money from aelp) make the choice for us thinking the entire town is behind this rate increase.. they dont deserve the increase, they will keep raising up and up and wanting more and more if allowed... someone print all our remarks and bring to the meetings as backers against the hikes and greed
Rape
I have flagged as offensive the above comment that misuses the word rape for the following reasons:
The misuse of the word is disrespectful, offensive, and chauvinistic.
The word "rape" is commonly misused. Younger men are most comfortable saying it whereas women of any age are not. The reasoning here is that either women are not "enlightened" enough to use this word in informal register, or men really have no idea the difference between rape and (in this case) spending a few cents extra per kilowatt hour.
Webster's (any dictionary) cannot properly convey connotative meanings of words.
The 1949 New American Dictionary definition of the "n word" was:
1) negro. s. negroid
2) a colored person of direct African heritage
Even though a dictionary described this word as above, it was still very offensive and racist. I'm guessing that some people probably ran to their dictionaries back in the 40s to "prove" to the offended that they shouldn't be since it is not offensive in the dictionary.
Some people can be so clueless. They show a real disregard to other people's feelings and discomfort (or they delight in it). Since rape has entered the vernacular of Internet trolls, it is being spread rampantly. Others who want to be as witty or edgy as some of the trolls will also misuse this word to make people uncomfortable.
I assume that was the goal of the above post.
Definitions
Dunno Copenhaver. "gay" is what you make it, not the perception in how it is received. We can argue the PC world all day but defintions and slang change all the time. Maybe rape was pretty specific back when but it's my experience that more people use it as a non-cursing way of adding an emotional intent to whatever abuse is being described. It's obviously not singular, random or exceptional since it's understood by all what the intent is.
Even if it offends some people, especially the victims of sexual rape. Just sayin. Hard to change a disctionary if no one is going to go along along with it.
I'm sure there's a long list of words that changed, and buffoons that outright make words up, that change our lexicon forever.
Copenhaver
Wow Copenhaver, you're calling me disrespectful, offensive, and chauvinistic. So for using a word properly from the dictionary, by definition, you find offensive. I actually find your last post VERY offensive as you state that women are not "enlightened" enough to use this word in informal register. Now, that is the definition disrespectful and chauvinistic!
chauvinism: An attitude of superiority toward members of the opposite sex; also : behavior expressive of such an attitude
So you are barading me for using a proper word, utilizing its definition and calling me names. Then your methodology for telling me I'm being inappropriate is to tell me I'm being disrespectful, offensive and chauvinistic because women are not "enlightened" enough to understand the proper use of this word. Wow, talk about playing both sides of the coin.
Ego
Men set your ego aside and stay on topic. Just what AEL&P wants. Let them bicker amongst themselves. That way they lose sight of their purpose. And AEL&P can rape us more.
ak teacher
Alaska Air doesn't have the authority to charge gate fees, the airport does that.
I was a travel agent for 8 years, when Delta was here, and when Markair tried to come in. The ONLY reason the competition didn't make it - even though they often had better schedules AND better fares, was that people wanted their AK air miles. Period.
kpawsuh - sorry to pick on you - it's objecting, not abjecting.
Wow! So much commentary over
Wow! So much commentary over a correctly used by definition word that is commonly used in our society. Its not like I even used what most people would graphically describe being bent over and utilizing a lubricant. I intentionally stayed away from that graphic but commonly used description due to its poor taste and went with a more gentile description. Most people know what is meant. They know the multiple definitions. They can pick whichever one they want. Some of you may have ingrained definitions and sets of belief that guide you to feel that that is offensive. That is you projecting your beliefs on society, not me. And to say that women arent enlightened enough to understand that? That is the truly offensive statement.
@kpawsuh: words have
@kpawsuh: words have connotations. If I say you acted "boldly" it sounds different than if I say you acted "recklessly," even though they can mean the same thing.
Many words officially have multiple definitions, but most words have culturally accepted uses that dominate over their other meanings. To use the word "rape" in such a flippant manner delegitimizes the actual experience of rape many women and men have gone through.
It's a cop out to use a word and then ignore all cultural and historical context associated with it. For the same reason it's offensive to use the words "mulatto" and "halfbreed" to refer to persons of mixed ethnic background, it's offensive to use one of the most violent and horrible crimes as another word for "inconvenience."