[Summit] The new electricity option

[Paul G Smith]

Hi Elizabeth and Summit,
Here is what I recently sent a week ago to Sue Anderbois, who is the city
councilor for ward 3:

Hi Sue,
I presume that you know about this change that is basically being forced on
all electricity users in Providence:
https://www.golocalprov.com/news/You-May-Be-Getting-a-New-Electricity-Co-Wha
t-You-Need-to-Know
I found a link in the article to "opt out" and have chosen to do so, but if
people don't figure out how to opt out, they are automatically enrolled.
This seems quite unfair.
There are several reasons why I have opted out:
1.	The entire process of how this came about has been opaque (the
opposite of open), and it is being foisted on all residents and businesses
without any input or understanding (to my knowledge) of the implications.
2.	These electricity distribution companies, which have been around for
years, all make profits, and their profits are piled on top of the profits
of the regulated utility companies. In the short run, perhaps some
rate-payers may save money, but in the long run they will pay more, because
of this built-in extra profit. It is not unlike the so-called Medicare
Advantage plans, whereby private companies offer "extra benefits" to
Medicare beneficiaries, generally to the financial and restrictive detriment
of those same beneficiaries. It is a scam from the get-go, used to make
profits for the private companies, unfortunately with the blessings of our
elected representatives, who are probably motivated by campaign
contributions from said companies. I choose traditional Medicare for the
same reason that I opt out of this electricity scheme.
3.	Whether totally accurate or not, the allegations against the company
as revealed in the article are serious considerations, about which it
appears the City of Providence has been unaware. If they are aware, then
there seems to be a serious dereliction of accountability and fiduciary
prudence.
4.	The form I used to opt out seemed to request me to state my reasons
for opting out, but it did not provide any means to do so. That is part of
the reason I am writing to you.
5.	It is very odd that I am hearing about all of this from Go Local
Providence, rather than from city officials. This all by itself would be
reason to be skeptical of the plan.
6.	While the goal of increasing renewable energy sources is admirable
(and I fully support), I doubt very much that this scheme will have any
impact on that goal.
Probably there is nothing you can do, but I wanted to make sure you are
aware, and understand why someone like myself would not want to participate.
Warmest regards,
- Paul

Sue did send a response, saying she would be addressing it in her next
newsletter.
Paul G Smith
54 Summit Ave, Providence, RI  02906
Cell: 802-343-0978 
E-mail: paul.slvrwngs at gmail.com <mailto:paul.slvrwngs at gmail.com> 
_____________________________________________________________________

"The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens"
                        - Baha'u'llah             http://www.bahai.org
<http://www.bahai.org/> 
"Nothing is too much trouble when one loves, and there is always time."
                        - Abdu'l-Baha


-----Original Message-----
From: Summit <summit-bounces at sna.providence.ri.us> On Behalf Of Elizabeth
Grossman
Sent: Sunday, March 12, 2023 8:32 AM
To: Neighborhood Association <summit at sna.providence.ri.us>
Subject: [Summit] The new electricity option

Hi all Does anyone see any downside to the new electricity option that the
city has roled out? If so would you be up for sharing?
Elizabeth 

Sent from my iPhone
_______________________________________________
Summit mailing list
Summit at sna.providence.ri.us <mailto:Summit at sna.providence.ri.us> 
http://sna.providence.ri.us/mailman/listinfo/summit_sna.providence.ri.us
SNA Website: http://sna.providence.ri.us/
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: winmail.dat
Type: application/ms-tnef
Size: 9938 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://sna.providence.ri.us/pipermail/summit_sna.providence.ri.us/attachments/20230312/9d14a803/attachment.bin>