Local Government TV

▼

Friday, August 21, 2009

Northampton County Scrambles to Minimize Electricity Rate Hike

Northampton County's electricity needs are met by two major utilities, Met Ed and PPL. Next year, when the cap is lifted on PPL, it is expected to increase rates between 37 1/2% and 40%. That translates to about $200 thousand out of the county coffers in the middle of a recession. So last night, Deputy Purchasing manager Terry Beidelman proposed purchasing energy through the Lancaster County Consortium, locking in a rate now for services next year. As Beidelman explained, "We are trying to take the initiative to do something rather than hide our heads in the sand."

Council Prez McHale worried that "There's really been no discussion at all," and Lamont McClure suggested that the price may go down after we lock in a rate. Charles Dertinger, who last night claimed to be an expert on electricity, suggested we use some other cooperative for some reason. And they all wanted to know why Lehigh County has opted out of this consortium.

"That's because PPL is right up the street from them," posited John Cusick.

Council voted to authorize County Executive John Stoffa to lock in the electricity rate. McHale, McClure and Dertinger voted against the notion. I think they want to run a giant extension cord from Nazareth.
at

3 comments:

  1. ironpigpenAugust 21, 2009 at 8:25 AM

    Wait for Cap and Tax to formally go through Seanate - then check out the energy bills

    :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousAugust 22, 2009 at 12:23 AM

    Next time there is a thunderstorm, tell Dertinger, McHale and McClure to run around outside with a key and a kite.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousAugust 22, 2009 at 1:12 AM

    At ht erate Stoffa moves just put a metal pole on his head and hook a wire to his foot, he will be able to power the Courthouse.

    ReplyDelete

You own views are appreciated, especially if they differ from mine. But remember, commenting is a privilege, not a right. I will delete personal attacks or off-topic remarks at my discretion. Comments that play into the tribalism that has consumed this nation will be declined. So will comments alleging voter fraud unless backed up by concrete evidence. If you attack someone personally, I expect you to identify yourself. I will delete criticisms of my comment policy, vulgarities, cut-and-paste jobs from other sources and any suggestion of violence towards anyone. I will also delete sweeping generalizations about mainstream parties or ideologies, i.e. identity politics. My decisions on these matters are made on a case by case basis, and may be affected by my mood that day, my access to the blog at the time the comment was made or other information that isn’t readily apparent.