” No matter how little you use they keep raising rates to make sure utilities pocket big profits (with the PUC’s blessings, of course).”
They also raise rates so they can subsidize the solar panels on a lot of wealthy peoples homes. It’s big stuff to brag about all you are doing to save the environment at elitist cocktail parties. Don’t talk about the average ratepayer shelling out dough to make it affordable though. Without the subsidies very few would be installed.
You've got it! But the nasty part is that in order to survive economically, conservatives like me -- opposed to government hand-outs -- are almost forced to accept the subsidies in order to keep our lights and hot water.
My electricity rates (without any major changes in usage) have gone from around $50-$60 a month 4-5 years ago to an average of $235 a month now. And the PUC keeps approving higher and higher rates. I expect to see $300 a month fairly soon.