Stan Geiger

PSO: Breaking Wind

PSO says it needs a massive rate increase because nat gas prices have increased. But then there's the comment below from parent AEP's Q1 earnings release.

The increase in ongoing earnings from Generation and Marketing is primarily attributed to improved results from AEP's wind farms.

Sure, fossil fuel costs have increased of late. But, last I looked, wind is free. If AEP is having to pay more to generate electricity by burning fossil fuels, there should be an offset from the electricity it generates using wind, wouldn't you think?

Meanwhile, Oklahoma News Report says OG&E is seeking a rate increase in order to pay for an expansion of its wind operations.

That sounds fair. Let's raise rates for electricity so customers can pay for the infrastructure that allows a power company to generate electricity for free then sell it to customers at an inflated price.

Something needs to change in the electric biz.

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