Sept. 1, 2004 – St. Croix Alliance to Protect Utility Ratepayers will have its second ratepayers meeting on Sept. 4 at the St. Croix Educational Complex from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
About 30 people attended its first meeting on Aug. 21. Group founder Darryl Miller said there was so much energy at the first meeting that it was decided a second meeting should be held to form committees and recruit more members. Only three days were spent organizing and publicizing the first meeting. Miller said he has heard from many more residents who are interested in the group's effort.
A recent press release from the alliance encourages "the ratepayers of St. Croix to join your ratepayers organization to attack the growing rate hikes. Your numbers are needed. It's time to stop complaining in vain and start the work to address the concerns of all of us who are the ratepayers."
The press release explains that the group is made up of consumers who are "opposed to and fed up with high utility rates."
The volunteer group of citizens refers to itself using the acronym SCAPUR (St. Croix Alliance to Protect Utility Ratepayers). It says it will defend the interests of lay utility consumers – users of gas, electric, telephone, and cable services.
SCAPUR is critical of the Public Services Commission and the Water and Power Authority saying they "are not doing everything in their power to reduce the rates."
Invited to attend the meeting are, Chairman Valencio Jackson of the PSC, Chairman Daryl Lynch of WAPA, Sen. Luther Renee, Sen. Usie Richards, as well as any other members of the PSC, WAPA, and the Legislature, as well as the Director of the Energy Office, Bevan Smith.
SCAPUR states it will work "to educate the public on a variety of issues, from the intricacies of the rate setting process to ways consumers can conserve energy and reduce utility bills."
Members also say they "would like to know more about WAPA's automatic monthly electric and water system rate adjustments, as well as the Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause."
On the meeting agenda are the formation of three committees, a committee to address WAPA issues, a committee to address Innovative issues, and another committee to address propane gas issues.
A spokesperson from the Caribbean Energy Resources Corporation is scheduled to make a presentation.
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