PUC reviewing possible power rate increase

August 1 is around the corner and with that may come an increase to your power bill as the Public Utilities Commission will be reviewing the Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause charge. When you walk into a room and its dark it is a natural response to flip a light switch.

But of course, power costs money and how much you pay for power is dependent on the fluctuating costs of oil. It was in May the Consolidated Commission on Utilities passed a LEAC adjustment increase of about 1% per kilowatt hour based on the cost of oil. According to CCU commissioner Simon Sanchez based on this increase ratepayers could see their monthly bill go up by $7.

Residents like Don Seri shared how he feels about the potential increase, saying, "I would have to see more information on it more printed information to justify it." And Tony Duenas added, "There is nothing that we can do if they are going to raise they are going to raise it we are at their mercy."

Sanchez says that the $0.01 increase means the cost per kilowatt could be $0.11 instead of $0.10, adding that this is still lower than the $0.19 paid in previous years. And residents like Tom McGravey agree, saying, "I still think it is okay because before previously it was much higher and then it went down so going up a little isn't going to do too much I don't think people will feel it."

It is now up to the PUC to approve the increase. Sanchez says that because oil costs have gone down since may the PUC can ultimately adjust the LEAC and decide to implement a slightly lower increase on August 1.