Electricity rates could go up again

Afternoon public hearing draws only one resident’s complaint Matamoras — The state Public Utilities Commission (PUC) held the first of two Nov. 5 hearings before an almost empty house. The sessions at the Best Western Hotel considered a proposed Pike County Light & Power (PCL&P) electric rate increase. The PUC hearing was publicized in local newspapers and mail notices were sent to residents and businesses that had previously filed formal complaints. “They (PCL&P) are not entitled to the rate increase they are asking for,” PUC Trial Staff Attorney Kenneth Mickens said as the hearing began. But you wouldn’t know there was any public opposition from the turnout. At the afternoon hearing session only one person, Greg Krisanola, gave sworn testimony in opposition to the proposed rate increase. “This whole thing is total bull. How much of increase can we stand? Between electric and gas it’s going up 36 percent. I live in Matamoras and my rates now are 128 percent higher than two years ago,” said Krisanola to the Courier before the session began. Only 12 people were present at the hearing, eight of whom appeared to be attorneys. The other four were residential customers. Krisanola spoke under oath and told the commission he has been a PCL&P customer for 18 years and has been working for the government for 25 years at the Federal Penitentiary in Otisville, NY. He reported that he has a 1,200 square-foot home and it costs him $3,200 a year for gas and electric. He likened the proposed increase to “BOHECA” a military acronym, which means “bend over, here it comes again.” Back in Milford, people had opinions. “I hope they reconsider raising electricity rates. I can’t pass this increase to my customers. I feel sorry for the delis and restaurants that have so much refrigeration equipment that must cost them a lot to keep running,” stated Yvonne Merrill of Wells Ferry Gifts in Milford. “I’d go to the hearing tonight but, after waiting on the long lines yesterday to vote, who wants to go to a hearing?” “The proposed rate increase on small businesses is too much to take during these hard economic times. All increases affect the bottom line and I can’t pass along the higher prices to my customers,” said Mark Horner of Horenetti’s Pizza in Milford. “I’ve replaced all my regular light bulbs with energy savers. I do what I can to keep my expenses low. With business so slow there are some weeks I don’t bring in enough to pay my electric bill,” reported John Longendorfer of the Golden Fish Gallery in Milford. “I sometimes go three and four days without making a sale and now they want to add to my already high expenses.” The PUC will render a final decision in future.