National Grid Electricity Rates About to Jump Way Up

[OutdoorLover]

Originally Posted by timberline742

Eh, not sure I'd call that nimbyism. I see nimbyism is more along the lines of something I'll benefit from, but I just don't like the placement because it impacts me negatively.

When its not directly benefitting me in anyway at all, its just saying no.

I'd be hard pressed to buy into any benefits of this if I was in Vermont and using wood with a propane back up for heat as so many people do. The overall regional impact on fuel prices in general is a pretty tough sell.

I don't know the history of the path, but often utilities used to used shared rights of way. As in, power and telephone lines using existing rail corridors. Don't know why that is feasible for a gas pipeline, but even then, you'd have to compensate locals significantly I would think.

On a related note regarding how Maine Governor Janet Mills handled her part of the Maine power deal... I don't think she was there from the start, but she apparently helped to negotiate a discount for Maine rate payers and some benefits for promoting adoption of EVs and electric heat pumps - two of her priorities. But the rate discount wasn't significant, and apparently many Maine residents in rural areas in western Maine (where the power lines were to be run) really want access to high speed internet - thing mays have gone differently if she had thrown them a bone re *their* priorities.



https://www.pressherald.com/2021/08/...ic-land-lease/

[OutdoorLover]

Originally Posted by Remy11

Outdoor Lover,
I thought of you because we got the paperwork the other day in the mail regarding the aggregation program. Did you get yours? I’m not sure what to do…

Hi Remy - just opening it up... so it looks like the rate we'll get (if we don't send in the opt-out card) will be $0.2176/kWh this winter, which actually isn't bad, and there are no fees or contractual restrictions. I'll probably just hold my card and get entered into the Community Choice program... then in Spring (May) revisit when the rates are going to be revised - we've been promised $0.1332 in May if we stay in the Community Choice program, but we may get a better rate from someone else (maybe even Natl Grid Basic Service) in May.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by OutdoorLover

On a related note regarding how Maine Governor Janet Mills handled her part of the Maine power deal... I don't think she was there from the start, but she apparently helped to negotiate a discount for Maine rate payers and some benefits for promoting adoption of EVs and electric heat pumps - two of her priorities. But the rate discount wasn't significant, and apparently many Maine residents in rural areas in western Maine (where the power lines were to be run) really want access to high speed internet - thing mays have gone differently if she had thrown them a bone re *their* priorities.



https://www.pressherald.com/2021/08/...ic-land-lease/

Understandable ask. Of course, high speed internet should be treated like phone lines were and made a National program. That shouldn't be on the states, its basic infrastructure, IMO.

[GeoffD]

Originally Posted by timberline742

Understandable ask. Of course, high speed internet should be treated like phone lines were and made a National program. That shouldn't be on the states, its basic infrastructure, IMO.

There is a huge pile of federal money subsidizing rural broadband. It’s more an issue that rural areas aren’t affluent enough to buy much beyond basic broadband. If you don’t have those $200/month subscribers, it’s tough to make the business case to expand your footprint even with the subsidies.