Meter-Readers Attacked as Light Bills Soar
California Utility Workers Become Targets of Backlash
Aug. 21, 2000
By Randy Dotinga
SAN DIEGO (APBnews.com) -- As Southern California enters its hottest season, tempers and temperatures are flaring in a double whammy that spells trouble for San Diego's utility workers.
Since July, power bills have more than doubled over last year at this time. Angry residents are taking out their frustration by verbally or physically attacking meter readers and utility crews. So far, no one has been injured. But authorities are so concerned that the San Diego County sheriff warned last week that the mayhem must stop.
"The sheriff is trying to let people know that these are just people doing their jobs," said Ron Reina, spokesman for Sheriff Bill Kolender. "You can't throw rocks at people or spit on them."
Egg-pelting, rock-throwing customers
Employees of the local power company, San Diego Gas & Electric, are reporting about 20 incidents a day of harassment. That compares to a normal rate of about two a week, said company spokesman Ed Van Herik.
"We've had employees' homes pelted with eggs; we've had rude comments shouted to our people," Van Herik said. "We've had rocks thrown at our employees and the windshield of a car broken."
Residents have even spit upon some of the company's 3,000 employees, he said.
It is clear that the attacks are related to the skyrocketing prices of electricity, he said. The San Diego region is the first in the state to deregulate its power industry this year, a move that had the unforeseen effect of allowing wild fluctuations in electricity prices.
The average home bill is now about $122, compared with $55 a year ago. Residents of one-bedroom apartments have seen their monthly bills jump from about $20 to $50.
San Diego Gas & Electric provides power to three million people in San Diego and Orange counties.
Stores dim lights
Some residents have turned off air conditioning, while grocery stores have dimmed lights in their refrigerated and frozen-food sections. Businesses are contemplating layoffs.
While San Diego is known for mild temperatures year-round, only the beach and coastal areas are protected from extreme heat. Summer temperatures climb to more than 100 degrees in inland areas, while the mercury frequently tops 110 in the desert region east of San Diego.
Even beach areas can become scorching in September and October, when so-called Santa Ana conditions banish ocean breezes.
Looming power crisis
A looming power crisis across the state has only worsened matters. Officials say they may have to temporarily cut the power to individual neighborhoods if the state's power needs overextend its supply.
San Diego Gas & Electric has told customers that it only provides electricity and does not set prices, Van Herik said.
Meanwhile, the company is urging employees to avoid all confrontations with residents.
"We're telling our people that if someone honks or yells at you, this isn't about you personally," he said. "If someone gets aggressive, just record their license number and report it to our security folks. If you're confronted, don't get into a debate. Just say you understand their concerns and keep moving."
Randy Dotinga is an APBnews.com correspondent (randy.dotinga@apbnews.com).
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Electrical Rage???
Skyhawk
[This message has been edited by Skyhawk (edited August 22, 2000).]
California Utility Workers Become Targets of Backlash
Aug. 21, 2000
By Randy Dotinga
SAN DIEGO (APBnews.com) -- As Southern California enters its hottest season, tempers and temperatures are flaring in a double whammy that spells trouble for San Diego's utility workers.
Since July, power bills have more than doubled over last year at this time. Angry residents are taking out their frustration by verbally or physically attacking meter readers and utility crews. So far, no one has been injured. But authorities are so concerned that the San Diego County sheriff warned last week that the mayhem must stop.
"The sheriff is trying to let people know that these are just people doing their jobs," said Ron Reina, spokesman for Sheriff Bill Kolender. "You can't throw rocks at people or spit on them."
Egg-pelting, rock-throwing customers
Employees of the local power company, San Diego Gas & Electric, are reporting about 20 incidents a day of harassment. That compares to a normal rate of about two a week, said company spokesman Ed Van Herik.
"We've had employees' homes pelted with eggs; we've had rude comments shouted to our people," Van Herik said. "We've had rocks thrown at our employees and the windshield of a car broken."
Residents have even spit upon some of the company's 3,000 employees, he said.
It is clear that the attacks are related to the skyrocketing prices of electricity, he said. The San Diego region is the first in the state to deregulate its power industry this year, a move that had the unforeseen effect of allowing wild fluctuations in electricity prices.
The average home bill is now about $122, compared with $55 a year ago. Residents of one-bedroom apartments have seen their monthly bills jump from about $20 to $50.
San Diego Gas & Electric provides power to three million people in San Diego and Orange counties.
Stores dim lights
Some residents have turned off air conditioning, while grocery stores have dimmed lights in their refrigerated and frozen-food sections. Businesses are contemplating layoffs.
While San Diego is known for mild temperatures year-round, only the beach and coastal areas are protected from extreme heat. Summer temperatures climb to more than 100 degrees in inland areas, while the mercury frequently tops 110 in the desert region east of San Diego.
Even beach areas can become scorching in September and October, when so-called Santa Ana conditions banish ocean breezes.
Looming power crisis
A looming power crisis across the state has only worsened matters. Officials say they may have to temporarily cut the power to individual neighborhoods if the state's power needs overextend its supply.
San Diego Gas & Electric has told customers that it only provides electricity and does not set prices, Van Herik said.
Meanwhile, the company is urging employees to avoid all confrontations with residents.
"We're telling our people that if someone honks or yells at you, this isn't about you personally," he said. "If someone gets aggressive, just record their license number and report it to our security folks. If you're confronted, don't get into a debate. Just say you understand their concerns and keep moving."
Randy Dotinga is an APBnews.com correspondent (randy.dotinga@apbnews.com).
************************************************************
Electrical Rage???
Skyhawk
[This message has been edited by Skyhawk (edited August 22, 2000).]