Most utilities must have any proposed rate increase approved by some state regulatory agency. Therefore, they may not be able to pass increased costs onto their customers.
Many politicians, and even some freepers, believe that investors seeking a return on their investment should take a backseat to other goals.
“Most utilities must have any proposed rate increase approved by some state regulatory agency.”
Good point - it’s not exactly the free market. I imagine they must also get approved by the State if they want to throw in the towel as well?
“So if somebody wants to build a coal-powered plant, they can; it’s just that it will bankrupt them because they’re going to be charged a huge sum for all that greenhouse gas that’s being emitted.”
http://www.examiner.com/right-side-politics-in-national/obama-will-bankrupt-the-coal-industry
the goal is to bankrupt evil BIG COAL-there will probably be special EITC type credits for “low income” people.