Power Rates to Go Up Again

Virtually all West Virginians will see an increase in their power bills in the coming months. 

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved yet another rate increase for American Electric Power's subsidiary companies Appalachian Power and Wheeling Power.  The power companies sought this rate increase to recoup monies they have expended on coal.  In recent months, the cost of coal has risen precipitously.  What does this mean for the average consumer?  A $7.33 average monthly bill increase.

Unfortunately, rising power costs are a sign of the times.  Each and every one of us has felt the pain of refueling our vehicles.  Gas now hovers at over $4.00 per gallon and will likely go up from there.  Now consumers are getting hit at their homes.

There are many complex reasons for the rising costs.  However, it can be boiled down to basic economics - increased demand for raw energy sources (coal, oil, etc) leads to rising overall energy costs.   

I don't pretend to be an expert on energy policy or how to fix this problem.  However, pure common sense dictates that the cost of energy will continue to rise and the only thing that we as consumers can do to combat this problem is to be more economical in our consumption of energy.  Like many things in life, the shift to conservation will be difficult and a long process but with a little commitment and even little changes (turn the AC from 70 to 72 in the Summer, etc) we can collectively make an impact.

WV Seeks to Lower Blood Alcohol Limit for Boaters

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will push to lower the legal blood alcohol limit for those operating boats in West Virginia from .10 to .08.  This would reconclie the law with the legal limit for operating a motor vehicle in West Virginia.  The proposed changes will be presented to the Legislature during the 2009 regular session. (For more information on this issue follow this link to an article in today's Charleston Daily Mail)

I think this is a good thing.  Every year, thousands of people are killed or seriously injured in drunk driving and drunk boating accidents.  Statistics show that 21% of all boating accidents are attributable to alcohol.  Hopefully, the proposed changes to the law will make the waterways of West Virginia safer for you and your families. 

Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC, has handled numerous claims arising from boating / personal watercraft accidents in West Virginia.  If you or your family have beeen injured in a boating accident please call Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC, to discuss your legal rights and whether you may have a claim for injuries.