Comments on: Is It Time For A Tallahassee Utility Board?

By: Frank Palumbo

Frank Palumbo — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:28:27 +0000

I support the idea of a separate utility board. Our utility rates in Tallahassee are outragious. This is the capital of the state and we have the highest rates in the state. Accountability is always a good idea.

By: Douglas Muir

Douglas Muir — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 22:59:20 +0000

I support the formation of a Tallahassee Utility Authority.

By: kim pearce

kim pearce — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:44:22 +0000

There needsto be a Utility Board to oversee things. We went from a 3400 sq foot house with 3 A/C units to 1200 sqft,(to save money, to buy)our power at was 230 with the air set on 68 upstairs all night and keeping them on 74 all the time,3 TVs going, we had Talquin there. Here we have 1 TV, 1 A/C unit set on 68 for heat and 78 air, all other appliances are the same. Our bill w before the smart meter was averaging 225 in this little house. I just got hte first bill since the smart meter, it is 430! And it say we used 800 more KWhs! The rep said because it was cold. From Dec-Feb we used less than 1600 KWHs. Someone explain that!
City of Tallahassee Utility rates are outrageous! When our lease is up we are moving back to where Talquin is! The spike in our power bill was also about $140. Guess the meters had to get paid for by someone.

By: howard eisenman

howard eisenman — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:50:48 +0000

As a small business owner and a long time homeowner in Tallahassee I am concerned about the way that our “utility system” has been managed. Our rates are amongst the highest in the state despite owning our own utility system. I believe that the city commission would be “well served” to have a citizen’s oversight board to review our rate structure but also to consider other options with our utility system.
I further believe that the citizens would be well served for the city to seriously consider the pros and cons of selling the utility. The sales proceeds could be put to good use and we could “purchase power” and we could lock in today’s “lower” prices at a cost savings to the taxpayers.

Howard Eisenman

By: Chuck

Chuck — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 13:38:41 +0000

Appointing a “Utility Authority” will not necessarily bring down electric rates. Buying power from coal fired generation or generating it from our own coal fired plants will bring down rates. Just like JEA did in the early 90’s and Talquin has done with Seminole Power.

By: Maureen

Maureen — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:18:00 +0000

I absolutely agree that we need an independent oversight board for our utilities. My utility bill jumped over $140 last month, and that is NOT because “it was a cold month.” We need someone to investigate these so called “smart meters” (if they are so smart, why was a City employee in my yard last week checking the meter?).

By: Bruce Screws

Bruce Screws — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:24:29 +0000

I support a separate utility board, if it means lower cost of our utilities. The city commissioners, past and present, have consistently siphoned off profits of the utilities to fund non essential government projects. It is time for government to get back to their core mission. Provide roads, security and education.
Bruce Screws
3-16-09

By: Peggy Munroe

Peggy Munroe — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 23:39:44 +0000

Without an oversight authority, we have the fox/foxes tending the henhouse, NOT a good thing for Tallahassee citizens.

By: Christoper M. Dunn

Christoper M. Dunn — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:22:25 +0000

We do not need more regulations, oversight, or granted authority. What is needed is more private enterprise in the production of electricity. Increasing competition will expose much needed sunlight on the shady COT Utilities, and ultimately drive prices down and perhaps push the COT out of the “business” of energy production.
The days of Dr. Saff and Bill Proctor’s populist fearmongering must come to an end. We have already shut down a coal plant in Taylor County, using tax money to print government propaganda pamphlets and TV ads, and the BioMass Plant seemingly never had a chance.
Wake up Tallahassee, a new day is coming.If you truly desire cheaper electricity, we must stand against the tyranny of the few mandating to the many, in whatever form it presents itself. You can decide for yourself daily what is best for you and your family.

By: M.T.

M.T. — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 18:02:04 +0000

We are finding out that questionable decisions have been made to try and impact the demand-side component of the equation (ie. smart meters), while a decaying supply-side infrastructure is being rewarded with a gold certificate for being “Green”. Thanks to this web site there is finally some coverage of these issues and movement in the right direction. I strongly believe that a separate utility board is our best hope to correct the longstanding mismanagement of our utilities here in Tallahassee.