Utility shut-offs jump

[flashl]

Some energy providers report disconnections up as much as 30%

Electric and natural-gas utilities in Colorado and nationwide say they are shutting off more customers this year because of delinquent bills.

Amid surging energy and gasoline prices, the disconnections are extending beyond low-income households.

Intermountain Rural Electric Association, which serves 137,000 customers in Colorado, said its disconnections are up 25 percent over a year ago.

"We're now getting some of the larger homes, the real big ones where you've got 4,000 to 5,000 square feet," general manager Stan Lewandowski said.

A survey by the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association in June found that 8 percent of households earning between $33,000 and $55,500 annually have had their electricity turned off. Among utilities nationwide, People's Gas in Chicago said its customer shut-offs are up 30 percent this year, and Duke Energy in North Carolina said its shut-offs are up 14 percent.

Denver Post

Missing from the story and from personal experience, there have been a monthly increase of over $60 in my utilities' 'service fees' within the past year. Changing to better energy-saving light bulbs or changing usage patterns will not reduce the bills.

[But....]

1. Oh yeah...

it's all in our head, right McLame?:sarcasm:

[Double T]

2. How many frozen stiff bodies will it take before SOMETHING is done about the ENERGY CRIMINALS.......

of wall street and corporate america. The elderly, poor and hard working paycheck to paycheck middle class are at greatest risk. bastards!