From: Michael S. Lorrey (mlorrey@datamann.com)
Date: Tue Dec 19 2000 - 07:19:55 MST
"J. R. Molloy" wrote:
>
> I've heard that investors in electric power companies have a keen interest
> in things like high-temperature superconductors and mass produced fuel
> cells, because of associated and potentially devastating long-term impact on
> conventional utilities (traditionally attractive stocks to long-term
> investors). Suppose investors, having learned of impending production of
> fuel cells and the realization of high-temp superconductors, dump their
> stock. Has anyone noticed the stock prices of electrical utilities in
> California?
>
> Could this have anything to do with power companies whining about not being
> able to supply enough power, and asking users to cut back on usage? Unless
> I'm way too stoned, doesn't this help to explain the bizarre behavior of
> companies that make money selling electricity, asking people to buy less of
> it? Perhaps the big power companies are in trouble, and they know it, on
> account of new high-tech methods of generating power. The power companies
> don't relish broadcasting the news of their impending obsolescence, and
> neither do their owners. But they do need to let the general public know
> that power shortages may (no, shall) occur, until the new technologies are
> in place. How can they explain that without appearing deceitful, especially
> since none of the new alternatives seems ready to take up the slack?
The state owned utilities are the ones suffering, because the consumer
(read: activist) controlled utility boards still control rates charged
to customers of these utilities. What the state is trying to do is fix
what its suppliers can charge it by fiat, force. Its abject tyranny.
Customers of these utilities are consuming so much energy because they
are not paying proper market prices, so demand would obviously outstrip
supply. Asking welfare addicts to do something nicely typically does not
do the trick. Jack up their utility bills and you'll quickly find some
politicans in office who will get things done and solved, i.e. the
Democrats will be out of office.
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