Editor’s note: This is a copy of a letter sent to the Missouri Public Service Commission and the Office of Public Counsel in Jefferson City.
Ladies and gentlemen:
Re: Empire District Electric Co. proposed rate increase.
This letter is to voice opposition to Empire District Electric Company’s proposed rate increase of approximately 20 percent.
Because of the recession and the resulting business downturn, few active wage earners or business owners are seeing their incomes go up. Seniors, such as ourselves, have had our income frozen at current levels; the customary first-of-the-year cost-of-living increases having been canceled.
Granted, household users and commercial users alike count on electric service being available 24/7, but these are tough times. It is not as if Empire were running huge deficits. Empire is a profitable venture, one that is doing well.
People in hell want ice water, and utility companies want double-digit increases. Neither request deserves serious consideration.
Thank you for your consideration.
Doug Glynn
Joplin
