12 replies to this topic

[Euphoria]

WTF! Texas is in the worst grips of the most ridiculous weather they've ever experienced, with many deaths, and severe shortages of everything, like food, water, shelter, etc, and they are sending out totally ridiculous electric bills to people for THOUSANDS of dollars a day for electricity. Is the state of Texas really that stupid? All those board members on their energy board need to be strung  up at a public hanging. Where the hell is Judge Roy Bean when you  really need him? "Get a rope!."

Edited by Euphoria, 21 February 2021 - 05:58 PM.

[Rob and Linda]

Greg, it's a lot more complicated than your characterization. Our problems go back to deregulation of the industry decades ago, now the electric utilities operate from a profit motive, not a service motive (despite what the knuckleheads will tell you). It's highly partisan and highly bulls****y.

Ten years ago, we had about the very same cold weather disaster. There was all manner of hand-wringing and promises of investigation and change.

Nothing happened. Nothing. What do you want to bet we're in for the same.

If you want to know how we got this screwed up, do the research. But you really don't want to do that because it would take too long and you don't have a dog in the fight.

[Rob and Linda]

Also, be careful, this thread could go political in about a picosecond.

[cottons]

dun did.

[JerryC]

Yes, very convoluted.  Cousin moved to Houston area a few years ago and had like 200 choices for an electricity provider.  Never understood it till now.  Sure feel for all those affected, in so many different ways.

[J and J]

"If you want to know how we got this screwed up, do the research. But you really don't want to do that because it would take too long and you don't have a dog in the fight."

 

Thank you Rob for your voice of reason. I have an unused bumper sticker in my office - unused because I don't believe bumper stickers really change minds, but - a bumper sticker which reads: Critical Thinking - The Other National Deficit. Maybe it's time to stick that baby on a bumper. Research and critical thinking means more than sitting in a recliner watching one's favorite talking head and driving around the countryside in one's pickup truck listening to AM talk radio.

 

There has got to be a happy medium between unfettered capitalism and over regulation just as there has got to be a happy medium between anarchy and totalitarian government. As a society we would do well to quit demagoguing words like government and regulation and speak truth to middle of the road reality. There is a way forward using common sense. We CAN all get along and we don't really have a choice but to do so.

[Meadowlark]

I was aghast when I saw (on the TV) one man had a $16K power bill. That is just insane. It's also unconscionable. I have no idea how one goes to fix it.

[Meadowlark]

As for bumper stickers, I'd like to have one that says "Don't worry about what people think-they don't do it very often."

[Jerrybob]

I've always liked the bumper sticker......Life is Hard....It's Even Harder if you're Stupid!

[Meadowlark]

How about one that said, 'stupidity should be painful'...

[Jerrybob]

How about one that said, 'stupidity should be painful'...

 

love it. 

[Linda & Bob, K4TAX]

I commented to the wife last evening (yes we do talk to each other)  we could run our 10KW NG generator powering the entire house, 24/7, for about $450 per month.  We heat 2600 sq/ft, heat water, and cook with NG.    Our average electric bill was $134/mo and our NG bill was $113/mo over the last 12 months.  I'll stick with TVA power.  Thank you. 

 

I feel sorry for the TX folks.  Talk about sand in the Vaseline and not getting kissed before getting screwed.   Well they were elected to office and you see what they've done.  Like under-ware, politicians need to be changed on a regular basis. because they begin to smell.   Terms limits for all......one in office......one in prison. 

 

My only living aunt is in Huntsville.  It has been difficult for her. 

[Dutchman]

And here I thought to switch to the Escapees RV club mailing service in Livingston, TX, and become a "winter Texan."

 

Dutchman