How's Your Deregulated Electric Bill?

       Here in Pennsylvania we're fortunate to have far thinking legislators who figured out that Pennsylvanians would be much better off if they weren't tied to just one provider of electricity. They were way ahead of their time in thinking this would open up our state to competition, which would in turn lower rates. In fact they were so far ahead of their time they didn't take into consideration one simple fact. Such a minor human frailty.
       GREED! Greed is in every person. It's more prevalent in some than in others. And given the opportunity to make a little extra profit is always a popular idea. But tripling your profit is just a bit more than just a popular idea. It brings to mind snake oil salesmen of bygone years. It also reminds me of a practice long held to be illegal. That of the bait-and-switch.
       Now I'm sure the folks who run these new retail electric firms are good people in their communities. No yellow horns growing from their foreheads or red tails with an arrowhead point. No they 're good folks who give to the right charities and do all that is asked of them in the name of helping their fellow man, with a receipt or course.
       Here's the thing though, they've eaten from the tree of life and they know all about huge profits and how to do Ponzi schemes and bait-and-switch and all that. Even more important, they know what it takes to get legislators to do their bidding. If our heroes need to eliminate regulations, a fat donation to a campaign war-chest will show the way to savings for consumers.
       Now don't get me wrong, I think it's wonderful these folks are good Samaritans ay home, I just don't think they should undo all the good they do by robbing from the poor, as well as the middle-class and even wealthy, in order to live a fatter life for themselves. As it turns out, our legislators weren't as far sighted as we might have wanted.