MERGER: Reasons to worry

People should be skeptical of the merger between Avista and Hydro One utilities.

Both companies assure the public that it’s a perfectly routine business deal and no one should be concerned and rates will decrease by 1% the first year because of Hydro One’s massive size.

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and Avista/Hydro One spin doctors assure us that “it’s all good” and not to worry because there are plenty of preventative regulations to ensure the public doesn’t get screwed.

In my experience, especially with power companies, it’s not about providing you a better and cheaper source of power. It’s about a much bigger picture and how they are going to squeeze more money from your pocket.

The bigger question we should be asking is, what aren’t they telling us?

BILL McCLURE

Post Falls