 |
Slam the door on scammers by being a cautious consumerDon’t be tricked into paying a bill you don’t owe. Phony debt collection attempts rank among the most… Mississippians shine when it comes to charitable givingMississippians dig deeper in their pockets when it comes to giving. We always rank high in national surveys… Of memories and thanksgivingWe are always reminded to “live in the moment” and “make the most of each day.” And, that is certainly… |
 |
2/9/2011
Throughout past years, I have used this forum to let you know what we are doing for you—the member/owners of your local electric power association. Looking out for you is what makes us different. And now, more than ever, that’s important because you are seeking a source for accurate information in regard to the cost of electric service.
Your local electric power association has a long-standing tradition of being a reliable source of information to help manage your cost of operating homes and businesses. We remain firm in our commitment to work with our membership to keep electric bills affordable while looking for innovative ideas to reduce cost.
As a new year unfolds, it’s important that we continue our conversation about ways we can work together to keep your electric bills affordable.
During the 2010 session of Congress, we kept you updated on “cap-and-trade” legislation and how it would certainly lead to higher electricity cost. We encouraged you to become involved, and many of you discussed these issues with your congressman. In the end, Congress did not pass a climate bill. We believe that is good for you.
But the battle is not over! This year the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will begin regulating greenhouse gasses. The EPA will be considering policies dealing with the operation of power plants and other stationary sources of emissions. Its decisions will lead to higher costs.
We’re joining electric co-ops nationally to ask Congress for a much-needed time-out—a two-year moratorium on EPA regulation of carbon dioxide greenhouse gases. A delay would give lawmakers the opportunity to fashion climate-change legislation that protects you, our members, and keeps electric bills affordable.
Another way we can help control costs is through innovation. Electric power associations have been leaders in offering energy-efficiency programs for more than 20 years. We have spent millions of dollars annually to educate our consumers and provide hands-on help with making homes and businesses energy efficient. Consumers often see reductions in energy use when aggressive efficiency measures are applied.
We will continue to encourage consumers to use new energy-efficiency technologies, control their energy use, and use weatherization products and practices to help manage the cost of their monthly electric bill.
These steps, even if they are small, will save you money.
But be careful when considering energy-saving devices, as some are not legitimate. Every year thousands of people are separated from their hard-earned dollars by putting their faith and trust in another company’s sales pitch. There’s no shortage of people pretending to help consumers save energy by selling products they claim can save up to 30 percent.
These types of scams generally center on misstatements of science or confusion over an electric utility’s energy-efficiency programs. Remember the old adage: If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Your local electric power association can help you determine if a product will indeed save you money.
We have a lot going on in our industry and I will use this space to keep you updated as needed. And, we will continue to look out for you — our member/owners.
Michael Callahan, CEO
