PETITION AGAINSTS HIGH NATURAL GAS PRICES

Feed

Image 1 of 4

Author: James Arrington

Started: February 3, 2006, 1:41:47 am

Target: Fayetteville Public Utilities

Category: Economy & Business

Supporters:

Goal:

1,000

Goal Progress:

Status

Active

Petition For Just and Reasonable Rates
by Fayetteville Public Utilities

Summary of Request:

Over the past three months, Fayetteville Public Utilities have increased their rates for natural gas prices to record highs, as much as 105 % increase in fuel cost. Such high increases have had an effect upon consumers, businesses, public institutions and the economy of Lincoln County. It is therefore requested that Fayetteville Public Utilities:

1. To charge market-based rates to offset the damage caused to low income families who are suffering by such rate hikes;

2. To make cost of service filings with the trade commission, and make these findings available to consumers of Fayetteville Public Utilities services as well;

3. And should be aware that rates based on inflated, excessive, unreasonable or inappropriate costs should be rejected as unjust and unreasonable;

4. Order refunds for any unjust or unreasonable rates and charges.

Although Fayetteville Public Utilities warned its customers in September that rates might be higher, they made no attempts at giving the consumers tangible rates for the price increase of gas during the winter months. This has led many to be “left out in the cold” literally. Many companies as well as organizations have had to cancel or halt many of their events because of the increase in gas prices. But the ones who have been affected the most are the poor and marginal. Many of the people on fixed incomes woke up to the realization that they were unable to pay the high increase, (as much as two hundred dollars I might add) and have been told by human resource agencies that they just didn’t have the money to help them. These people are faced with giving up the necessities of life, such as food, insurance and medical supplies, to offset the extra expense of the fuel bills this year. It is my request that this petition be signed by as many Lincoln County residence, and that the petition be presented to Fayetteville Public Utilities before our economic welfare becomes affected by inflation, layoffs and maybe the death of some residence who will turn to alternative means of heating which may result in fires or damage to homes and residence. It is my plea that Fayetteville Public Utilities bear the brunt of these increases with us as residence of Lincoln County and dare to cut prices, even if a profit during the winter months is thwarted. Failure for the company to bear with us the pain of such a burden will be met with serious inquiry into the fair and reasonable profits by Fayetteville Public Utilites by the Federal Trade Commission and other organizations which have a vital interest in the lives and well-being of the residence of Lincoln County.

Sincerely,

James A. Arrington