RE: http://www.timesdaily.com/arti...5/ARTICLES/911055031

Thanks a bunch for lower rates!!! I, personally, do my part in helping save on energy costs, and encourage others to do so any way they can. The editor failed to mention the costs of extraodinary bonuses given to TVA employees each year, which is paid for by us. A "government union" in practice. What is our honest dollar being spent on? I mean, labor and actual cost for payment to this government entity? How much more could we all save? A penny would make me happy, if it meant that my bill was fair.

Private power companies pay much higher bonuses than TVA. I have friends in private power who receive 30% of their gross income in bonuses. TVA crafsmen might get 3%. No bonuses for TVA executives this year.

In Virginia, I used electricity and natural gas (heating, hot water and cooking)in my home. My home in Huntsville is all electric and slightly larger than the one in Virginia. My electricity bill is about 40 percent of what I paid for electricity and gas combined in Virginia.

Most people who have never lived outside the Tennessee Valley are spoiled when it comes to power rates. We've had it so good for so long that most don't realize what other people have to pay around the country.

Go a few miles south to Alabama Power territory and the rates increase 30% over TVA.

Not only are rates much, much cheaper here, but the fact that this area has any development at all is heavily impacted by TVA being here. I think people are just spoiled and have to have something to complain about.

You have no idea what you are talking about. Move Out of the TN Valley or to Virginia and then you will be crying because your power bill is three times what it is here. You think the lower TVA people get a great bonus? Try 1.5 percent with 25 percent being taken off the top for taxes. I think most would rather have a gift certificate for a baked ham.

Anyone remember back in January or right after the holidays last year the really high power bills for that month? Some well over $400.

I'm all for lower power bills.