Demand better services for rate increase

Alliant Energy customers earned a slight victory Monday (regarding ruling on Alliant's rate increase request): Consumer Advocates Office grade: A-minus; Iowa Utilities Board: C.

But Alliant seems as fiscally responsible as Wall Street bandits receiving bonuses. Utilities Board Chairman Rob Berntsen noted Iowa customers are suffering high unemployment and damage from the flood. He says consumers didn't need to be smothered by higher rates as well.

They fail to recognize these are secondary reasons for denying a rate increase. How about Alliant shareholders seeing an increase in 2009 while many companies suffered in the recession? Alliant representatives spin this dramatically, ignoring consumers not seeing increases in wages, benefits or business because of impact from the floods.

And why should we accommodate Alliant's rate increase for failed customer service? I have a documented complaint with Alliant filed with the Iowa Utilities Board.

The 7 percent increase is better than 16 percent. An increase isn't justified for the lack of service. Allow the shareholders to carry the burden of poor management. This is gross negligence by the Iowa Utilities Board to allow such business.

Alliant already promised another increase request in March. Contact Alliant, the Utilities Board and your legislator, demand better utilities in turn for the 7 percent, and deny another rate increase request.

Matt Hills

West Branch