THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, February 5, 1997 TAG: 9702050010
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 27 lines
A Jan. 18 letter from Vivian Forbes nailed the gas company for a rate increase. Tom Pearson nailed Virginia Power for its increase in his Jan. 20 letter. And rightfully so. They have many supporters in the community. We all understand that inflation will impact our gas and electric rates, but in my 21 years in this community, I've watched rates go from absurd to ridiculous.
Can anything be done? We have lawmakers who are on top of this, and as individuals we can control our consumption. But there really isn't a lot more we can do to change the status quo. As long as we have gas heaters and electric gadgets, there will be bills.
On the other hand, we have another ``necessary'' utility that we can do something about. To even get basic television reception, everyone turns to some cable conglomerate. While reception is good and service acceptable, we are paying out our ears, with rates constantly rising.
I greatly urge all Hampton Roads residents to do as I have done and look into digital satellite. I now have more channels (including five HBO channels) for less money per month on a system that is mine.
ATKINA K. CHERRISON
Virginia Beach, Jan. 24, 1997