Edison's Rate Hike Request Met With Protest

Everyone knew that Edison was going to ask the PUC to approve rate hikes in 2009 and 2010, but nobody predicted the economy would be this bad when those requests were actually made.

With Edison set to formally request the increases on Thursday, protestors are already lining up outside the company's headquarters.

Edison officials argue that the rate hikes will fund new capital projects that will create 38,000 jobs. Detractors argue that $100 a year added to a struggling family's bill is the wrong thing to do right now.

While the PUC has suggested a samller increase as a compromise, Edison is not backing down, citing the effect such a compromise would have on suppliers and contractors in its downline. Sounds like better talking points are in order.

Edison asks PUC for rate hike [San Gabriel Tribune]