CongareeCatfish Top fanNovember 14, 2023 at 4:43 pm
The utility co-ops and other related public service utilities, whose creation and development in the South traces back to the early 1920s, were meant to bridge the gap of the marketplace, i.e. facilitate bringing services to poor rural areas that could not attract major capital investors. For decades, that was almost the entire state outside of the top three metro areas. They had a laudable purpose, and despite inefficiencies, were worthwhile….up until about 30 years ago. We should question the financial practicality of their continued existence, with the higher view of what serves the public need best.
What about the Camden power service that still gouges its customers over a year after big price increases hit that town? Re-selling electricity by the City of Camden has been a cash cow for them for many decsdes. I know Camden power customers who would be tickled pink if their monthly electric bills only averaged $160.
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The utility co-ops and other related public service utilities, whose creation and development in the South traces back to the early 1920s, were meant to bridge the gap of the marketplace, i.e. facilitate bringing services to poor rural areas that could not attract major capital investors. For decades, that was almost the entire state outside of the top three metro areas. They had a laudable purpose, and despite inefficiencies, were worthwhile….up until about 30 years ago. We should question the financial practicality of their continued existence, with the higher view of what serves the public need best.
What about the Camden power service that still gouges its customers over a year after big price increases hit that town? Re-selling electricity by the City of Camden has been a cash cow for them for many decsdes. I know Camden power customers who would be tickled pink if their monthly electric bills only averaged $160.