Opinions of Duke Energy acquisition of Progress Energy (Charlotte, Raleigh: home, prices)

[zthatzmanz28]

Originally Posted by Beermat

You might find this thread of interest not least because 5 months ago there was some thought that Electricity rates would reduce as a consequence of the merger. Oviously our regulators have short memories considering the recent 7.2% increase they approved.

//www.city-data.com/forum/ralei...-progress.html

When was the last time less competition brought about lower rates?

[Rdanville]

Originally Posted by zthatzmanz28

When was the last time less competition brought about lower rates?

Less competition? there is zero competition. We need a choice of energy providers.

[saturnfan]

Originally Posted by Rdanville

Less competition? there is zero competition. We need a choice of energy providers.

That failed dismally in many states.

Good regulation of sole providers is best.

[Rdanville]

Originally Posted by saturnfan

That failed dismally in many states.

Good regulation of sole providers is best.

There are/were states where you could choose from multiple electric providers? Really? Like choosing between Dish, Timewarner, Uverse for TV? Which states?

[evaofnc]

I remember when I lived in Vermont you could choose between two providers, but it was more like one was a Progress Energy type company and one was an "energy cooperative." Never did really figure out the difference since the cost was the same and I don't think the cooperative exists anymore from what friends still up there have told me.

[Bull City Rising]

Originally Posted by Rdanville

There are/were states where you could choose from multiple electric providers? Really? Like choosing between Dish, Timewarner, Uverse for TV? Which states?

Shocking electricity prices follow deregulation - USATODAY.com

[wizard-xyzzy]

Competition can lower prices; talk to someone who has lived in Great Britain where six companies compete across the country. However, competition also drives new expenditures (marketing, customer churn, etc). Also, competition doesn't repeal the laws of physics. It costs money to generate electricity, and it costs money to ship it from the point of production to the point of consumption. These costs vary from one locale to another. Competition, net of marketing expenses, might shave 5 to 15% off the retail price of electricity -- but it shouldn't do more than that, unless the state regulatory agency has been letting the utilities charge excessive prices.

[zthatzmanz28]

Originally Posted by saturnfan

That failed dismally in many states.

Good regulation of sole providers is best.

Did not happen in Detroit where Detroit Edison gets what it wants when it wants. Use too much power=INCREASE rates. Use too little power=INCREASE rates. Fermi isn't making enough nuke power=INCREASE rates.

Many of our legislators support their political contributors--big business and BIGGER utility companines so regulation is nearly impossible.

[Rdanville]

Originally Posted by Bull City Rising

Shocking electricity prices follow deregulation - USATODAY.com

They were still tied to one supplier. Deregulation does not mean more competition. As my first post said we need competition. We have zero now. Here in Wake Forest it is even worse. There is one provider who buys the electricity from Progress tacks on a nice increase and resells it to residents.
I would like to be able to choose from 4-5+ suppliers for my electricity business. Other countries do it.

[NOLA2CARY]

Originally Posted by Rdanville

Which states?

Texas gives you options. Calpine is one, but I don't know the others.