We Shouldn’t Subsidize Desert Air Conditioning
Re “Heat-Related Deaths Spur Call to Lower Power Rates,” July 29:
The recent deaths of three individuals in Palm Springs have prompted calls for the reduction of power rates in that region so that residents can afford to run their air conditioners.
Huh?
That is tantamount to having drivers of vehicles that get poor fuel economy qualify for discounted gasoline prices.
If one chooses to live in the desert, he or she is on notice that not only does it get hot in the summer but that air conditioning will cause power bills to go up.
Perhaps people confronting such a choice should seek a different place to live.
Michael J. Allegretti
Chatsworth
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The deaths described in your article are tragic, but hardly the fault of electric utilities.
If state Sen. Jim Battin (R-La Quinta) is successful in compelling utilities to sell electricity at reduced rates to anyone who chooses to live in the desert, I hope he targets insurance companies next. I choose to live in a state that is widely known for its seismic activity and I can’t afford earthquake insurance.
Michael Rowland
Fullerton
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