Well, I guess we're just plain screwed on energy costs here, huh?

[Stinky The Clown]

WJZ's morning news saying that 4 buck gas is coming soon. BGE's rate hike is happening - in one fell swoop of 72%

Roll that on your tongue.

72%

Seventy

Two

Percent

I'll survive. I won't like it. But I'll survive.

How about those less fortunate? How will they survive?

My kids are just starting out. On their own.

72%

[LiberalEsto]

1. Horrible, isn't it?

I feel like all the energy companies are attacking us simultaneously. Maybe they're rushing to grab whatever they can before the Democrats re-take Congress in November.

One of my daughters commutes 25 miles each way to UMCP from Rockville, and the cost of gas is becoming a killer. We can't afford apartment rent, and getting into a dorm there is almost impossible. I wish she would take the Metro, but it's a long trip and she tells me the College Park Metro station is considered dangerous.

These rate hikes and gas prices are going to hurt an awful lot of people in the pocketbook. But maybe that will encourage more people to vote the rethugs out of Congress.

[AuntiBush]

2. Almost $17 for LESS then 6 Gallons of Gas

This afternoon. About 5.75 gallons came to literally almost $17 dollars.

Over-heard words from others filling-up like "pissed," and "that SOB," etc.

[Polecat]

3. How bad is it really?

Our legislature (at least the members still around from 1998) should be held accountable for the July 1 72% energy increase this November. They bought into this bill of goods; we're left paying the tab. However, we all know that no one will lose their political office over this disgrace. Voters just don't work that way.

Gas prices are getting out of control, but I think most of us, in reality, can handle a 100% increase in the cost of gasoline without it impacting the quality of our lives. So, you go from paying $30 per week to $60. That's very little in the grand scheme of things.

[aintitfunny]

4. Deregulation was enacted with

the real intent that it would keep consumer prices lower through increased competition. I am not supporting de-regulation, but I do understand the mentality that went into voting for it. You probably should ask Dick Cheney why the competition did not take place - since they probably worked all that out in the early days of BUSHCO with the secret meetings with energy executives to make energy policy.

On a related matter, I cannot understand why the Public Service Commission appointed by Erlich was working with BGE to assist them in getting away with screwing the people of Maryland.

I am certainly not ready to vote incumbent Democrats out of the legislature, and I would hope you are not advocating such a thing during the General Election. I sure as hell am ready to kick Erlich and Steele to the curb along with all their cronies.

[LiberalEsto]

5. The legislators were sold a bill of goods

by the utility companies exactly the same way it happened in California.

And we all know what happened there - blackouts, skyrocketing energy bills, deliberate price manipulation, Enron. I'm worried that something similar could still happen here.

The only real solution is strict re-regulation. And that will not happen until the rethugs are kicked out of the State House as well as the White House. And until the pro-deregulation Democrats get it through their thick heads that they're supposed to represent us, not the utilities.

[AuntiBush]

7. Are you Kidding!?! This lies on Ehrlich's Lap & his Buds.

Voting Democrat(s) cross-the-board this fall and from what I hear so is everyone else, even certain Republicans that have had enough of the GOP from MD to DC and back.

[AuntiBush]

6. You can blame the Bush-Florida Connection for this one...

Md state Democrats did all they could, what... 6, 6 1/2 years back and held our prices down fairly well.

Blame the GOP Gov and his partners up in Annapolis. If I'm not mistaken it's only 1 or 2 Dinos in the bunch. Ehrlich and his buds are to blame for this. He's just trying to look like the good guy for the coming election.

Read what was just posted here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x1023738

[Mutley]

8. I just bought gas in Pikesville yesterday for $3.08/gal.

!!!!!

!!!!!