Rhetorical Propaganda

For what it was worth, last week those interested converged in Raleigh to hear what legislators had to say about NCEMPA, ElectriCities and high electric rates in downeast cities and towns dealing high utility charges.

State lawmakers met recently to look at legislation that could restrict the use of electric fund revenues in an effort to reduce rates for customers served by the N.C. Eastern Municipal Power Agency. (As IF it would really make a difference after years of being brainwashed into thinking it can never happen.)

The legislation is one of two recommendations resulting from three meetings of the Municipal Power Agency Relief subcommittee, which formed in 2011. (But LOOK who's on the committee, Twiddle Dum & Twiddle Dee).


The subcommittee is searching for ways to reduce NCEMPA’s debt through refinancing or restructuring the debt or by selling electric generation assets.

Question . . . before the merger between Duke Power and Progress Energy is finalized why can't this be a talking point to review and evaluate. Our Thoughts: It probably could be... IF, it was approached in a manner filled with purpose. There are a handful of Mayors and candidates who say they're sincerely interested in getting from underneath this debt yet time and time again have not found a median.

NCEMPA cities, including Wilson, pay more for electricity than customers served by other electric providers. (AND IT'S NO SECRET THE CURRENT MAYOR WANTS TO KEEP THIS CITY IN THIS DEBT. Somebody called it Wilson's own "Plush-Slush Fund".)

An economic expert reported that electric rates in NCEMPA cities are 4 cents per kilowatt higher than North Carolina residents on average. Most Wilsonians can prove that themselves just ask someone who doesn't live in this area anywhere across this state what their utility rate is on a monthly basis.

Folks are hurting here. Industries and businesses are closing left and right. And you don't think a tie in to the escalating rate of electricity is not the issue? Think again.