— from Lois Ludwig, Lopez Island —

Thank you for publishing Chom Greacen’s excellent article about OPALCO. Her facts on the rate increases are correct. Her questions are valid. OPALCO board members insist their facility increase is the best plan to offset unforeseen expenses. I’m saddened that the Board is floundering in finding a solution to adjust for low-income electricity users. The easiest and most fair plan would be to raise the kwh rate and maintain the former facility charge.

My husband and I are full-time residents: debt-free, low-income senior citizens with no pension. We use electricity sparingly. Our March OPALCO bill was $76.26 (facility, $38.90 plus $33.35 (390 KWH), actual electricity usage lower than base rate. We can pay bills now. Although low income, we do NOT qualify for the PAL program. Our medical co-pay expenses have begun. What will happen next as the facility charge climbs to above $70?

I urge your readers to please voter for Ed Sutton and Randy Cornelius as new directors. We need a change.

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