We now know that climate change is undeniably human-caused. We still have time to act to reduce its magnitude and its impacts on future generations, but not much time. Our family is doing what we can to reduce our use of fossil fuels, especially coal-generated electricity, but the majority of the current LPEA board is making that more difficult. By steadily raising base rates, the board has begun penalizing those of us who have smaller houses and make efforts to keep our electrical use low. Increasing base rates instead of usage rates favors larger homes and wasteful practices, which fly in the face of any honest effort to address climate change. Electing LPEA board members who will act responsibly to promote cleaner energy is critical to reverse the current course.
Claims that those who promote or install solar electric power are subsidized by others are false. According to a study by the state of Maine Utility Commission, at the current rate they are being paid for a kilowatt of power, solar installations are actually subsidizing the electric utility. People of average income now install solar because it makes economic sense for them over the long term, and it is the right thing to do for the planet. Locally generated renewables are much more environmentally sensible and supportive of the local economy than purchasing from large utilities.
Please vote for the candidates who will support clean-energy systems for our future: Jack Turner, Mark Garcia, Lori Schell and Doug Lyon.
Deb Paulson
Durango
