Anti-terrorism costs hidden in utility bills

[Moloch]

WASHINGTON - All across the country Americans are fighting terrorism, one utility bill at a time.

Public utility companies from sea to shining sea have spent hundreds of millions requisitioning, reviving or retro-fitting security measures in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. And now these companies want their money back, most of it in the form of higher rates for their customers.

The federal government stepped in quickly after 9/11 and set precedent for allowing such rate increases. Two days after the terrorist attacks in 2001, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which regulates rates for wholesale electricity and natural gas shipments, told companies it would approve costs to upgrade security. The commission followed up with an order that defined the expenses as “prudently incurred costs necessary to further safeguard the reliability and security of our energy and supply infrastructure.”

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6632194/

[Nevernose]

1. Enron ripping me off is an anti-terrorism cost?

It looks like Nevada Power has Arthur Anderson doing their books for them!