Letter: Beware of move to deregulate power

Power consumers of Nevada, beware of a Sierra Pacific Resource Co. that is deregulated, unregulated and non-regulated. Sierra Pacific Resource becomes deregulated January if Gov. Kenny Guinn approves it.

The Public Utility Commission has given its approval to this, due to competition from other power sources, such as windmills, rooftop solar systems and hand-cranked generators. Since SPR only got three raises in four months while regulated, consumer users should be in for a breathtaking rise in rates for the near future, if there is any future with its unaffordable electricity.

Being a monopoly with captive helpless customers who are using more electricity and increasing in numbers with Nevada's population growth, the power company finds it necessary to sell off its generating plants for profits to out-of-state companies who can raise rates that will not be blamed on SPR who can now raise rates as the deregulated wish. SPR keeps its distributing network that is the part that raises rates to its helpless consumers. Woe the weak power users for they have inherited the deregulated power monopoly whose only goal is for profits and gain.

PHIL HUDSON

Carson City