Electricity Rate Decision

As we all wait to see whether there will be a symbolic challenge to the FTC's decision on electricity rate increases there has been very little publicity of the fact that one of the Commissioners (Andrew Brathwaite) registered some serious reservations about the decision.

Not one to be a pessimist I do not expect that the FTC would every overturn its "own" decision. So protesting has a symbolic but no practical value. One intervenor who is also a lawyer has however told me there are several legal grounds to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court.

Although he does not use the words Mr. Brathwaite's reservations which are included in the decision can be interpreted to speak to the issue of Rate Shock. In either words he is saying aspects of the decision to increase rates go too far. Put another way some of the increases are too high and will have a serious impact on the categories of customers they relate to.

In the meantime as consumers I urge that we seek ways to lower our energy usage, among other approaches to reduce th impact of the FTC decision.

Hallam Hope
caritel@hallamhope.com