Wyomingites Say They Can’t Afford Rocky Mountain Power’s 30% Rate Hike (Sheridan: houses, luxury)

[nowhereman427]

https://cowboystatedaily.com/2023/11...e5tA%3D.UXPtrV

[branDcalf]

It is happening around the USA. A 30% increase would have hit me hard when I lived in (Shangra)Sheridan. Where I am now, the middle of the midwest, companies are charging higher rates during the peak evening hours. You know, when people are catching up on the news on TV and kids are using computers for homework, along with all the other things.

I know companies are blaming the green energy regulations. I called BS on that. Eventually did a lot of digging into their claims and now agree.

I have relatives in Europe. They sure don't have the luxury of electricity or heat day and night.

Sad.

[nowhereman427]

Originally Posted by branDcalf

It is happening around the USA. A 30% increase would have hit me hard when I lived in (Shangra)Sheridan. Where I am now, the middle of the midwest, companies are charging higher rates during the peak evening hours. You know, when people are catching up on the news on TV and kids are using computers for homework, along with all the other things.

I know companies are blaming the green energy regulations. I called BS on that. Eventually did a lot of digging into their claims and now agree.

I have relatives in Europe. They sure don't have the luxury of electricity or heat day and night.

Sad.

I agree it's wide spread as I notice Pacific Gas and Electric here is doing the same. This company keeps asking for rates to be approved from the state government and they always seem to get their rate increases approved.

[Hemlock140]

There are many factors that cause electric rate increases, one of course is demand. New infrastructure is required to meet the demand from Electric vehicles and electrification of homes and businesses for "cleaner" heating and cooking. This is all being pushed by the government, at least in some states like here in Washington. We have a "Climate Commitment Act" passed by the state legislature that's meant to help achieve the state's commitment to reducing GHG emissions by 95% by 2050. Our provider uses electricity from various sources, mostly hydro but including natural gas and even coal. For those they are having to pay "fines" to the state, which of course get passed on to the consumers. Our 2024 rates are not anywhere near 30%, however.

The important question, though, is what are the rates now? If you are being charged $0.54/kWh like in San Francisco, going up to $0.70 is a lot, and adds up fast for winter heating and summer cooling. On the other hand, if they are charging about $0.05/kWh as in Moses Lake, Washington, going up to $0.06 is not a big deal. The nationwide average monthly home usage is 886 kWh, which would be $142/month increase in SF, but only $9/month in Moses Lake.

The article doesn't show the actual rates before or with the increase, but I looked it up, and San Francisco is a bargain compared to what you are paying in Wyoming. This increase might actually cause people to leave the state.

[nowhereman427]

Originally Posted by Hemlock140

There are many factors that cause electric rate increases, one of course is demand. New infrastructure is required to meet the demand from Electric vehicles and electrification of homes and businesses for "cleaner" heating and cooking. This is all being pushed by the government, at least in some states like here in Washington. We have a "Climate Commitment Act" passed by the state legislature that's meant to help achieve the state's commitment to reducing GHG emissions by 95% by 2050. Our provider uses electricity from various sources, mostly hydro but including natural gas and even coal. For those they are having to pay "fines" to the state, which of course get passed on to the consumers. Our 2024 rates are not anywhere near 30%, however.

The important question, though, is what are the rates now? If you are being charged $0.54/kWh like in San Francisco, going up to $0.70 is a lot, and adds up fast for winter heating and summer cooling. On the other hand, if they are charging about $0.05/kWh as in Moses Lake, Washington, going up to $0.06 is not a big deal. The nationwide average monthly home usage is 886 kWh, which would be $142/month increase in SF, but only $9/month in Moses Lake.

The article doesn't show the actual rates before or with the increase, but I looked it up, and San Francisco is a bargain compared to what you are paying in Wyoming. This increase might actually cause people to leave the state.

Leave which state?
SF does not require air conditioner as it has natural air condition-FOG.
Also SF weather is neutral all year round. It does not get real hot or real cold.

[jody_wy]

Originally Posted by nowhereman427

Leave which state?
SF does not require air conditioner as it has natural air condition-FOG.
Also SF weather is neutral all year round. It does not get real hot or real cold.

Dad left SV one winter it was -30 . He got to SF and was 60s . He said he never got warm because of the Humidity.

[jody_wy]

There are 4 meters here on the ranch. Basic chare on 3 is $27/ month the other is $31/month, before power which is $.095KWH. That 2 houses, 2 well, Barns and shop. and corral. a 30% increase would be $105 to $150+ a month. That too much.

[nowhereman427]

Originally Posted by jody_wy

Dad left SV one winter it was -30 . He got to SF and was 60s . He said he never got warm because of the Humidity.

What is SV?

[NDak15]

Originally Posted by nowhereman427

What is SV?

Star Valley

[SDbp]

Originally Posted by branDcalf

It is happening around the USA. A 30% increase would have hit me hard when I lived in (Shangra)Sheridan. Where I am now, the middle of the midwest, companies are charging higher rates during the peak evening hours. You know, when people are catching up on the news on TV and kids are using computers for homework, along with all the other things.

I know companies are blaming the green energy regulations. I called BS on that. Eventually did a lot of digging into their claims and now agree.

I have relatives in Europe. They sure don't have the luxury of electricity or heat day and night.

Sad.

I live in the northern plains, and while I think my electricity is high (usually $100 a month except summer), my bills have been pretty flat since I moved into my new build house 9 years ago. I was also surprised to see our mix of energy was only 40% coal, but with 45% wind and hydro; renewables being the biggest source. Balance is mostly nat gas. As I'm in a rural electric cooperative (although I'm in a town of 200k), we have annual shareholders meetings. When someone asked about high rates, we were told it's because we have so few customers per mile of transmission line; the cooperative mainly serves small towns and rural areas.

There is also a time of use option. If you're not on it, you pay about 5 cents per kWh. If you're on it, it's like 5 cents off peak and 15 cents on peak. I've opted out.