Letter: Energy ‘gougers’ should be taxed

Tuesday, April 24, 2001 | 9:05 a.m.

A recent article in the Sun reported that California power sellers are posting huge profits. The April 17 article stated that Reliant Energy of Houston reported first-quarter earnings of $274 million, a 100 percent increase over its earnings from a year ago. This is nothing but out-and-out price gouging.

The article goes on to state: "Critics say the independent companies (Reliant, Duke Energy, Southern Energy and Dynegy) have bought up enough plants, and held them in few enough hands, to essentially hold California's electricity ransom for the highest price." This is intolerable.

The federal government needs to take action to protect consumers. I suggest our lawmakers pass a "Windfall Profits Tax" aimed directly at these greedy wholesale power companies. The proceeds from this tax would then go to low-income seniors and others who are being devastated by unconsciously high power rates.

PAUL R. BROWN, Southern Nevada director, Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada

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