Emmerich – Leonard Bentz “seemed irritated” with people protesting rate hike
I attended my first Public Service Commission (PSC) hearing last week. I was not impressed.
Because power companies have monopolies, the PSC is there to protect the consumer. But that’s not what I witnessed. Instead, PSC commissioner Leonard Bentz seemed irritated at some of the citizens who showed up to protest the new rate hikes precipitated by the new $3.7 billion Kemper lignite plant.
Bentz started the meeting by complaining about “misinformation” published by various reporters and columnists. I guess that includes me.
During a break, I approached Bentz, gave him my card and told him I would be happy to meet with him to straighten out any misinformation. I was not warmly received.
I can certainly understand the pressure Bentz feels. It would make me testy as well. But what about the 300,000 or so utility customers who will soon see a 25 percent increase in their utility bills?
Wyatt Emmerich, Emmerich Newspapers
3/15/13
Magnolia Tribune
