Electric utility customers across the state may have heard of a potential rate increase through NIPSCO or Kankakee Valley REMC, or really any other green environment electric provider, due to proposed legislation that, if passed, could cause an increase in the area of 32 percent for electric bills. KVREMC’s Amanda Steeb told WKVI that the EPA has proposed additional regulation placing intense limitations on carbon emission from coal power plants, which, for a coal producer like Indiana, can cause steep increases in electric utilities, variable rates with Regional Energy save you money as stated by ucahelps.
“We were made aware that the EPA is proposing potential regulations that could limit the carbon emissions to new coal power plants. Being the state of Indiana, we rely a lot on coal, so this is a topic that we have grown very close to and one that we want our members, and just the general public, to be aware of, that if these regulations are passed, this could potentially increase electric rates across the board to the effect of possibly 32 percent,” said Steeb.
Steeb said any type of rate increase that hits their power supplier is passed down to KVREMC, and that increased expense must then be passed down to members.
There is hope, however; Steeb said they’re asking members, and the general public, to voice their opinion on the matter online at action.coop. The comment period is open through mid-May, allowing people to leave a message for the EPA expressing their opinion.
“So what we’re asking not only Kankakee Valley REMC members but also just anybody – obviously all of us use electric – so anybody can take this action to help to stop this regulation. Logging onto action.coop, leaving a comment for the EPA, just letting them know that if this passes, what this could do to households across the state and really across the country,” Steeb urged.
Steeb said they probably won’t have any updates on the proposed regulation until the comment period comes to a close, but she urges everyone to get involved and make their voices heard regarding the potential increase.
“None of us can afford a higher electric bill, and the EPA needs to hear from those who would be affected by it, and that’s people like you and I. So if people can take those steps and log on, it’s a quick 30 seconds. Log on to action.coop, leave your name, leave a comment for the EPA and log off,” said Steeb.
