Letter: Nevada Power leads race to raise our rates

Monday, Aug. 6, 2001 | 9:56 a.m.

Last year I used more electricity and paid less for it. Half of my current bill is for a general energy charge, which has nothing to do with the cost of energy but instead is for "costs associated with operations and maintenance and for construction of new facilities."

I am unwilling to subsidize Nevada Power in its expansion and maintenance of new power plants for new residents in this valley. Once these plants are up and running, they will more than make up for the costs. Will we enjoy any part of the new monies coming into Nevada Power's coffers? We all know the answer to that.

If Walgreen or Albertson's builds new stores, they do not raise their prices so that their customers will help pay for those new stores. I think Nevada Power should get a loan, and the Legislature, the Public Utilities Commission and the governor should not be so eager to gouge us.

And now we come to Southwest Gas Corp., which has gotten on the bandwagon. With the blessings of the above-mentioned entities and the governor, it has raised rates, together with adding on a universal energy charge a la Sprint. And soon coming to a mailbox nearest you, Nevada Power and the water company will follow. Cox Cable anyone?

I read that Gov. Kenny Guinn has some tax news for us, which he will reveal after the election. If Las Vegas becomes another Los Angeles, there would no longer be a reason for Californians to be here and the exodus will be stunning. Same for Floridians.

I want to be able to shop around for other utility companies as I have done for my long distance phone carrier.

JEANETTE JARRETT