Power company tells customers bills could go up 47 percent

Legislation before Congress could drive up electricity bills by as much as 47 percent, Grand Valley Power is telling customers in a letter. Grand Valley Power sent the letter as a part of a national effort by electrical associations around the state and country to alert their ratepayers to the potential costs of cap-and-trade legislation, which is due for a vote in the House of Representatives. The costs of cap and trade “will directly affect your electric bill,” Grand Valley Power said, urging customers to contact federal officials “on this significant ‘tax’ on your electric bill.” Those who stand to be most affected, “of course are the ones who can afford it the least,” Grand Valley Power spokesman Bill Byers said. “We think people need to be aware and voice their concerns if they have any.” The cap-and-trade measure is contained in a 946-page bill, H.R. 2454, sponsored by Democratic Reps. Ed Markey and Henry Waxman of Massachusetts and California, respectively...GrandJunctionSentinel