Some Lake Country Power members seem to believe that being regulated by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) would be the answer to lower electric rates. Unfortunately, this is not true. In fact, being regulated would add more to our power bills, perhaps 1 to
2 cents per kilowatt more, or about $275,000 per year.
The MPUC must collect for its costs, and who pays its expenses? Each utility it regulates. Does it make sense to pay MPUC and the Lake Country board of directors, whose members also exist to serve their fiduciary role as elected trustees of our cooperative? Who should really determine our rates, our own local, elected board or the appointed members of the MPUC?
So far, just the mailing of the ballots to all members will cost us, the members, about $70,000. If you wish to hear about all the additional costs, feel free to call your director.
I was once on the board of directors. I did my own research on the costs and expenses of being regulated by the MPUC and believe me, it is not the answer. Please vote no for regulation and do yourself, family, friends and neighbors a big favor.
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Yvonne (Bonnie) Hughes
Cloquet
The writer was on the Carlton County Cooperative Power Association board of directors before a consolidation with other cooperatives.
