Bonneville Power Administration was hit with a 13 percent reduction in staff (“Experts, WA reps question rationale for BPA and Hanford layoffs,” The Columbian, March 1). Obviously, staff reductions without preplanning typically cost an organization more in the long run, but there were several important points made that I think should be better explored.
First the BPA is funded by local ratepayers, not the federal government. A staff reduction will reduce the overall operating costs of the BPA. Assuming that the federal government doesn’t suddenly reverse direction and hire those staff members back, when should we expect to see a reduction in our utility costs? Ratepayers will need those savings to purchase generators to power our homes as we experience longer power outages this coming winter.
Second, I was not aware of the hidden federal tax buried in my utility rate. Almost overlooked in this long article is Scott Simms’ short statement that the BPA sends any surplus revenue to the federal government. Why are the ratepayers of the Northwest being asked to pay down the federal deficit?
I would encourage ratepayers to ask their congressional representatives and senators to help end a hidden federal tax on local rate payers.
