Letters (April. 25, 2012)

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 24 April 2012 15:49

Speak out against

Atmos rate hikes

In regard to the Notice of Public Hearing that Atmos wants to raise rates (Free Press, (April 11 and 18), I hope everyone sits up and takes notice.

In the fourth paragraph, it states they want to raise residential customers’ rates by 21.7 percent! This is outrageous and we all need to stand up and say I’m not going to take this anymore.

In the second paragraph they say natural gas is subject to market forces, weather, supply and demand—we had a milder winter this year. So because we didn’t use as much, they want to penalize us because they didn’t make as much money? If they raise our rates 21.7 percent and next year it’s a very cold winter, it will hurt the public while greatly lining their pockets.

In paragraph six, they want an increase because they haven’t had one in some time—but in paragraph three, they say their last increase was July 30, 2010, not even a full two years ago. They further say they have experienced increases in wages. (Can we assume this was from their July 2010 rate increase?)

I ask your readers: When was the last time you got an increase in wages? I haven’t had one in years, and neither have many of the people I have personally talked with in my town. We bite the bullet and I think?Atmos could also.

Raising rates is not the answer any more than raising taxes will solve our country’s debt. Years ago when natural gas got very expensive, we installed a pellet stove in our home. If Atmos raises their rates 21.7 percent, we all might have to consider alternate sources of heat and do totally without Atmos.

If we can’t afford them, what will you do?

I urge everyone to let their voice be heard at the various places listed in the paper for public hearings.

Linda Eden

Peabody