“Great deeds can be the result of small deeds done by many.”
Later last night, the thought that many might ask how we could pay for the increase in the PUD support program for our less fortunate neighbors. In this troubled economic times, when each dollar comes harder but buys less, we should be asking these questions.
My thought, for the PUD energy assistance fund would be to add a
dollar, just one dollar, to the base rate for power, raising it from the
current $7.49 to $8.49. With just over 18,500 bills going out, that
one dollar per month would collect around $220,000.00 a year to help
those truly in need so they could stay warm and have lights this winter.
Heat and lights are what come to mind when we think of the loss of electricity. There are other impacts to consider. If the family uses a well for water, they loose water. They can no longer keep fresh food with no power for the refrigerator. If you have an electric hot water heater, there would be no hot water so personal hygiene and cleaning is nearly impossible. With no way to wash and dry clothes at home, so you would have to go to a Laundromat, but those are expensive, not in your small budget either.
The most frightening, as if the other issues were not enough, is that, without electricity, people would have to use candles for light, a significant fire hazard and limited light, especially for our seniors, presents a trip and fall concern. If they heated with electricity, other means must be used and many of them, such as portable fuel-powered heaters, can be hazardous to their health and possibly even fatal. These can also increase the chances of a house fire.
The John E. Lewis quote seems appropriate: If not us, then who? If not now, then when?”
Heat and lights are what come to mind when we think of the loss of electricity. There are other impacts to consider. If the family uses a well for water, they loose water. They can no longer keep fresh food with no power for the refrigerator. If you have an electric hot water heater, there would be no hot water so personal hygiene and cleaning is nearly impossible. With no way to wash and dry clothes at home, so you would have to go to a Laundromat, but those are expensive, not in your small budget either.
The most frightening, as if the other issues were not enough, is that, without electricity, people would have to use candles for light, a significant fire hazard and limited light, especially for our seniors, presents a trip and fall concern. If they heated with electricity, other means must be used and many of them, such as portable fuel-powered heaters, can be hazardous to their health and possibly even fatal. These can also increase the chances of a house fire.
The John E. Lewis quote seems appropriate: If not us, then who? If not now, then when?”
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