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Rate Requests Spark Reader Outrage

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 26, 2008

Consumers Need Break

Regarding "TECO Seeks 22% Bump in Fuel Charges" (front page, July 19):

Again our politicians are poised to grant increases to another company that doesn't want to have a losing year.

State Farm Insurance wants another 47 percent hike so that their profits aren't affected, and politicians are on the air telling the people that "we are really going to look at this." They tell citizens that "we are in hard times" and to tighten their belts, then they turn to their political cronies and give them another fee increase.

When do "We The People" get a break?

DON MILLIGAN

Lakeland

Increases Aplenty

Last week alone the Tribune reported the bad news that State Farm and TECO both want to raise rates as well as the county commissioners voting to increase the garbage collection rates.

The "average Joe" is just hanging on by his fingernails, and every day someone else throws on another shovel full of dirt. Whatever small relief Amendment 1 provided for our property taxes is being eaten away.

DEBORAH GREEN

Sun City Center

Efficiency Hurts TECO
These rate-increase justifications are found in TECO's 2006 Annual Report. What President Black does not mention is the impact of declining sales. More energy-efficient, multifamily residences are being built in Tampa Electric's service area, and all customers are using less energy.
TECO is also concerned about the eventuality of government regulation of greenhouse gas emissions. The Florida Public Service Commission currently allows utility companies to charge customers for the cost of compliance.

SUE MINTON

Tampa

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