Today it was announced that electricity prices in Connecticut would be going up 17+% in January and another 4+% in April. Everyone is running around surprised.
However, people seem to be happy that the price of gas has come down, even though it is still 30 - 40% higher than a few years ago.
Gas Price Chart
They don't see the connection.
Now, as with gas prices, people will run around pointing fingers, but no one will be able to find the culprit. Why are prices so high? Here are some of my thoughts:
1. Deregulation was supposed to result in lower prices, and they initially were, because there was mandatory price caps put on. This forced the electricity generation companies to either cut corners or make no profit. Now with some of these controls off or being phased out, the market is responding.
2. The price of oil was low and therefore alternative energy source were not explored, now watch for development,
3. Electricity usage kept going up (how many $79 air conditioners were sold last year..)
4. The generation and supply parts of the puzzle were split. Now there is less control and cost sharing.
5. No one was complaining.
Now - what to do about it:
1. Relax - we are still cheaper than New York (maybe)
2. Get angry and vote everyone out of office (works on a lot of levels)
3. Sit down and really look at your electric bill (too much work)
4. Write letters to the Editor (if it helps you)
5. Start a blog (why didn't I think of that)
6. Make your house more energy efficient (good idea)
7. Write your representitives (not a bad idea - be constructive)
As I find out more, I will post my suggestions. But for now, do 1, 3, and 6.
Don't do 7 until you know more about the problem, and we can't do 2 until next year!
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