Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (April 1, 2004)
Lauren Wimer Photographer Starting in May, EWEB electric rates will increase by an average of 4.6 percent and 6.6 percent for residential customers, while water rates will increase 5.6 percent on average. EWEB continued from page 1 deterioration of EWEB's 23,000 mostly wooden power poles is an area of par ticular concern. Many of the poles themselves are at least 30 years old, while the poles are built to last only 40 to 50 years. Wooden cross arms on the poles are also breaking down, causing safety concerns, Robertson said. Revenue from the increases will also be used to supply additional capacity to the Coburg Road region and other fast growing areas, according to the release. Although electric rates have in creased nearly 50 percent during the past three years, Robertson said EWEB's rates are "about in the middle" com pared to similar Northwest utilities. "We're lower than three of the other four public utilities that serve central Lane County," Robertson said. He added that the effect of the in creases should be offset in late 2004 when the commissioners are expected to remove a 5.7 percent surcharge. The fee was implemented in 2002 to help EWEB recover from the energy crisis. Senior lustin Valasek, who shares a house with several other students, said the rate increases are understand able because of the current economy. He said he does not expect the increases to change his power con sumption habits. "I don't think (the rate changes) will affect us too much because we minimize our electrical consumption — we don't use heat during the win ter," Valasek said. However, junior Mia Leidelmeyer, who also lives off-campus, said the rate changes will adversely affect stu dents, especially those who use elec tric heat and frequently leave their computers running. She said she uses heat and incurs large bills, especially during the winter. "(The increase) makes me wish 1 had gas heat instead of electric heat — it would save me so much money," Leidelmeyer said. She added that even students who are conscious of their power consumption cannot dramatically reduce their bills. "Even if (students) try to conserve their heat the (electric) budget is still go ing to be outrageous," Leidelmeyer said. Robertson said the impact of the rate changes will be different depend ing on a client's power consumption and financial situation. "Obviously, when you have a rate increase it's going to affect everyone's pocketbook," Robertson said. Yet Valasek said he is concerned about the lack of electric service RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC RATECHANGES • April 2000 (8.5 percent average increase) Monthly bill at 1,000 kWh: $49.01 • April 2001 (5.4 percent average increase) Monthly bill at 1,000 kWh: $51.18 • October 2001 (3.6 percent average increase) Monthly bill at 1,000 kWh: $65.65 • April 2002 (2.6 percent average increase) Monthly bill at 1,000 kWh: $67.54 • May 2004 (6.6 percent average increase) Monthly bill at 1,000 kWh: $71.95 SOURCE: Eugene Water and Electric Board options and regulation of utilities in Eugene, noting that EWEB is the only electricity provider in the city. "The only concern I have is EWEB being a natural monopoly," Valasek said. "They have no incentive to keep their costs low." Water service rates will also increase an average of 5.6 percent, with resi dential customers incurring a 6.4 per cent raise on average. This translates to less than $ 1 a month for average cus tomers, according to the release. The water rate increases will com pensate for increasing operating costs such as wages and employee benefits, Robertson said. Valasek said that a slightly larger water bill won't greatly affect him or his housemates. "Our water bill is so low, especially compared to our electrical bill, * he said. Leidelmeyer agreed. "(The water bill) isn't as much of a concern for me as the electric bill is," she said. Contact the state/city politics reporter at parkerhowell@dailyemerald.com. LUNA open Tuesday through Saturday at 4 pm 30th East Broadway (54*1) 434-LUINJA Event info and more at www.lunajazz.com ENSE DANNY BARNES JON NEUFELD SUN BOSSA Next to Adam’s Place Restaurant 434-LUNA Dinning Room open 5 pm to 9 pm weeknights 10 pm weekends Mentoring at-risk youth ages 4 to 17 20 Boys Waiting For Mentors Now! Must Match Before June! One year committment needed. Average time spent is 15 hrs/month or meeting with youth 1x week. PLEASE CALL www.cominittedpartners.or8 344-0833 Be A Mentor. It Makes A Difference. If you want a good job when you graduate, you need a great job now. 017753 Now hiring for advertising executives to start spring term. The Oregon Daily Emerald is an independent newspaper that provides hands-on experience in the challenging world of advertising sales. We are looking for motivated students who believe in the power of advertising in the Oregon Daily Emerald and who can transfer that enthusiasm into sales. You will have the opportunity to hone your customer relationship management skills, create ad campaigns for clients and see your efforts come to life in the newspaper. Job descriptions and applications are available at Suite 300 EMU. Applications will be accepted until Friday, April 9 at 5 p.m. Oregon Daily Emerald The Oregon Daily Emerald is an equal opportunity employer committed to cultural diversity. Household Credit Services' Tigard, OR, location is proud to offer you the opportunity to earn while you learn with our Summer Intern Program 2004 $12.00 -$15.00/hour Spend Your Summer With Us! Programs rurrfrom June until September and internships will be available in these departments: ♦ Project Management ♦ Customer Care «Technology Services • Compliance • Strategic initiatives • Marketing Human Resources • Risk — lifil uS' w To find out more about specific internship projects and requirements or to apply, go to www.househoid.com. Click on "Job Search" and enter "Summer Internship Program" in Oregon. Be sure to specify on your cover letter or resume which internship(s) you are interested in applying for. Come spend your summer with Household and get not only valuable professional experience, but the important interpersonal skills you’ll need throughout your career. household” Household International. is a whodyewoed subsidiary of HSBC Hatdings pk.. one of the largest bonking and tnandal services otgonaatkm m the smtid Vtiouqh iB businesses. Household « a leading pmndei of consumer bans, uedtt cad% auto finance arid aedi) insurance pioiijcti m the tinted States, Unted Kingdom and Canada In the Unfed Stain Household apeiates under the too oldest and mast iscognaed names m consumer finance - MFC and Senebaai Additionally, Household is arte ot Inc nation's lagest issuers ofpdnate label and general-purpose credit cade including The <M OmP and the AR CIOs Union Plus” tad lot morn mtamatrin. nsitthe company s •aeinteor ecAvnatsehoUcom Background check and drug screen required. Household is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.
