ELECTRIC SHOCKing in Berlin MD

By now all we folk served by the Berlin Electric Company have received our July bills…and most are suffering from shock. In many/most cases the PCA (Power Cost Adjustment) is even higher than the cost for actual kilowatts used, putting totals far above many household budgets. And, unless the recent cooler August weather holds we will be faced with high bills for August use that will be mailed out in September. What can we do about this other than whine?
A look at our recent past history shows an attempt by the Berlin Mayor & Council to sell Berlin Electric to others – but it’s pretty clear that the “others” statewide (nationwide) are facing the same high cost for power with frequent rate increases being applied for from the Maryland State Public Service Commission. In my humble opinion – the plan for the aborted sale was not well thought out and wound up costing the Town around $500,000 in legal and other fees. UG! Regardless, it’s over!
It’s time to move on – and take stock – what do we have? We have a power plant that is costing what I consider a small fortune to operate – yet only running those aging and sometimes-faulty generators for mandatory testing once a month. I hear the Purchase Orders for payment of diesel fuel for these generators being recited at the regular Monday evening M & C meetings – it adds to my “shock”! However, we still own a transmission and distribution system that is fully functional and more than adequate for some time to come.
This said – again, how then do we reduce our increasingly shocking monthly bills? Another brief visit to our history has the Town telling us that a Town-wide presentation of effective conservation measures would be forthcoming…nearly two years ago! Also, that the BUC (Berlin Utility Commission) along with Town Staff would reorganize and prioritize the operating and fiscal structure of Berlin Electric. This has not happened – any recent attempts by the BUC to establish new guidelines have fallen on seemingly deaf ears. In the meantime too, we have lost our best “rate cost” watchdog, Joe Davis, who has gone on to other employment. Also, due to delays we are no longer eligible for State “credit benefits” by owning our own generation plant.

We’re back to square one – maybe even zero! At times, I enjoy denial, including finger-pointing as much as the next person but, although complex, this isn’t rocket science. We must use less energy in order to reduce our costs. We can do it! Noted in an article the other day that American’s drove several billion (with a B) fewer miles this year due to the high cost of gasoline. We can use less energy too – electric, in our homes and businesses. Turn stuff OFF – become more aware of all the little things – camera, cell phone, iPod chargers, fountains, pumps, computers, printers, scent diffusers, etc that are plugged in and dangling all over our homes. Turn stuff OFF! Check thermostats! Pull some plugs – take a close look at each outlet and make a reasoned decision if you really need what’s on the other end – or at least when and how and also how often, you use it. If it lights, heats, makes noise or moves then it is using power and YOU are paying for it!
It’s time to take charge of your bill – those Electric Shock-ing bills in Berlin MD.

Something to keep in mind – all of the for-profit companies that supply the energy “grid” from which we purchase power are faced with the same increasingly high fuel costs – whether oil, coal, gas or wind (infrastructure) to produce the power purchased to supply our town. Of course, these businesses work to make a profit – however, to emphasize again, YOUR personal efforts at economy can decide just how much!