After blackout, power company wants another rate increase

When you see stories like this, you almost have to wonder if suspension of disbelief shouldn't kick in.

The Blackout of '08 is on its fifth day, but the energy company that serves Cincinnati is...planning a rate hike. This rate increase for Ohio customers would bump up energy bills another 5.7%.

It must first be approved by PUCO (the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio). However, Puke-O has a long record of rubber-stamping utility rate hikes.

Nonetheless, PUCO is required to hold public hearings in Cincinnati about the rate increase. Whooooo, man! I bet they're gonna get an earful!

Great timing for a rate hike, huh?

If the increase goes through after the events of this week, it ain't gonna look too good for PUCO's effectiveness.

(Source: http://www.kypost.com/content/wcposhared/story.aspx?content_id=d6d3926b-1424-4d64-b674-3062ba015b2a)