Power Cutoffs Soar As Americans Struggle To Pay Bills

[katty]

more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/06/power-cutoffs-soar-as-ame_n_132346.html

Power Cutoffs Soar As Americans Struggle To Pay Bills
MICHAEL HILL | October 6, 2008 02:36 PM EST |

Marie Williams, right, helps her daughter Richelle with homework at their home in Cohoes, N.Y., Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008. Williams' power was cut off this summer for about a week, forcing her girls to do homework by candlelight. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
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COHOES, N.Y. — The number of Americans whose electricity or gas has been shut off for nonpayment of their bills is up sharply in many parts of the country as people struggle to cope with higher prices and a shaky economy.

Shut-offs have been running 17 percent higher than last year among customers of New York state's major utilities, and 22 percent higher in economically hard-hit Michigan. They are up in all or part of dozens of other states, including Pennsylvania, Florida and California, according to an Associated Press check of regulators and energy companies.

Despite stepped-up efforts by state and federal governments, utilities and private groups to help people avoid shut-offs this winter, some worry the problem will only get worse in the coming months, particularly with the downturn on Wall Street.

"I just didn't have the money to pay," said Marie Williams, a single mother raising four daughters in Cohoes, N.Y., a former mill city on the Hudson River. "Rent had to be paid, and food for the girls."

[Bobbieo]

1. What does Sarah have to say about this? Wink Wink!!

[melody]

2. She'll get back to ya! n/t

[lpbk2713]

3. A 19% climb in disconnect orders for Tampa Electric.

That Son-of-a-Bush couldn't care less about the misery he has caused everyone.