|
|
Doug Bechtel
|
|
As you may have seen in the newspapers, we recently received the results of our member attitude survey. Overall, I was very pleased to see how much you appreciate our efforts in providing you power - particularly when our people respond to your individual problems and the efforts of our linemen when the power is out.
Many members who live off island said that they miss the OPALCOGRAMS since they don't subscribe to one of the local papers (something we intend to address). There were several comments relating to OPALCO doing something to make the amount people pay in the winter a little more palatable (we do offer a budget billing option or an average billing option which smoothes your payments throughout the year). Over and over again, I came away with the message that we have not adequately explained to you why our rates are as high as they are, so I intend to address this matter in future OPALCOGRAMS.
Most members felt that local ownership is extremely important and want to insure that it not be lost in the upcoming industry restructuring. There were many requests for us to look into renewable energy, both on island and regionally, and many frustrations over power quality issues such as surges and blinks which cause problems with computerized equipment.
You seemed about equally divided over the issue of OPALCO getting into other businesses - "I wish the co-op would get involved in cable TV and telephone service." "All I care about is your delivering the power - don't go into all those other areas." "I like the idea of OPALCO offering other services like energy efficient appliances and products."
Other comments: "We have been accumulating capital credits for 25 years - when will we start getting something back?" (OPALCO will be paying patronage capital for the years 1963-1965 in 1997 and for 1966-1967 in 1998.) "Offer a once a year forum where you would take suggestions and answer questions from members." (We will schedule such meetings this winter.)
As always, there were a couple of real winners: "I would read your OPALCOGRAM if you would put more interesting things in them." "Give me plenty of notice if OPALCO deregulates. I need to take time off from my work to demonstrate - deregulation of the phone company was so bad, I can't imagine what it would be like for the electric industry." "I really think OPALCO having electric rental cars on the island would work. The ferries wouldn't be so crowded, and the cars could be distinctive, OPALCO energized cars." "I don't mind the outages- in fact, they are kind of fun- but I think the underground services are better."
Several of you mentioned specific issues that really need to be addressed one on one. It doesn't help either you or us for you to be upset with something. We need to work through it somehow. If you have any outstanding questions or problems with OPALCO, call me at 376-3520, write me at P.O. Box 187, Eastsound WA 98245 or e-mail me at .
Doug Bechtel
|