For the Record Gazette

Far be it for me to spend any substantive time complimenting utilities. When I think of utilities, I think about Enron, Edison and all those fun folks who constantly raise our rates without as much as a “by your leave.” Then, with raised rates; wouldn't you expect enhanced or increased services. NOT!

Here in Banning, we are fortunate enough to own our own utilities. We are one of the 11 cities in southern California to do so. There are 30 within the state of California and about 2,000 publicly owned electric utilities nationwide.

Basically, public owned electric companies are a community of customer owners - a not-for-profit public agency, - that optimizes benefits for local customers, have locally elected officials and locally elected board approves rates in a public forum. In the year 2003, system-average rates were 41% lower than IOUs (Investor Owned Utilities),

I had a recent conversation with Jim Earhart, Banning's Electric Utility Director. I asked the affable and knowledgeable Mr. Earhart, “Didn't Banning's electric rates recently go up? A man of few words, he responded, “yes,” Earhart then went on to point out that Banning utility rates had last seen an increase since 1996. If the powers that be had done things differently, the increase would have been a modest 1.6% per year; hardly the turn of your energy efficient ceiling fan!

Earhart went on to point out that with customer usage staying within the Baseline allowance, there will be a maximum increase of $3.94 centers per month in the winter and $5.67 per month in the summer. Looking at it that way, it isn't that difficult to swallow. Add into the equation that should we be buried under Southern California Edison, we would have been looking at increases in excess of 10%.

The Banning Utility is a business enterprise; albeit a not-for profit. The utility represents about 40-50% of the City's General Fund budget or about $30 million annually. Earhart is always happy to remind a questioner that “Banning's rates are lower as well as more dependable and reliable and much less than investor owned utilities.”



Earhart, a decided forward, outside the box thinker, also pointed out that Banning now has 11% of its energy portfolio in renewable sources of energy and is striving to achieve 30% by the year 2020. Earhart recognizes that Banning is not an affluent city and with the public benefits programs available, “we love giving money back to the people.”

Those who know me know that I love to recycle, conserve water and find as many rebates as I can. A couple of years ago, my husband Bill and I were off to shop for a new refrigerator. “I'll be right back,” I told him as I got out of the car and returned to my computer. He waited patiently, as always. I thought I owed him an answer. “I was just checking to see what rebates might be available.” The answer satisfied him and yes, we did purchase an Energy Star refrigerator which not only yielded us a handsome rebate but it has saved substantially on our power bill.

The City of Banning offers a slew of benefits programs including: Energy Star products, residential shade trees, residential air conditioning, photovoltaic, commercial energy conservation, residential weatherization, commercial air conditioning, free energy audits, residential energy conservation, ultra low-flush toilets and low income assistanceŠ in other words, something for everybody. You can check out the City's website for details: http://ci.banning.ca.us/index.asp?nid=122 or call 951-849-5224.

Where others have gone before me, I just called the Banning Electric Department (922-3185) and requested an application for the Level Pay Plan, which the City instituted in 2007. They will take your last year's bills and average it out for 11 months and come up with a number you will pay each month.

They will reevaluate after six months, so there is no major ups or downs at the end of the year. If you have overpaid, a credit will be forthcoming at year's end. I understand lots of folks have and continue to sign up for this plan. It sounds good to me, as I would love to avoid the sticker shock I got for my summer bills!

Fred Mason, Banning's Power Resource and Revenue Administrator told me about a program that should reach Banningites in February or March of 2008. In order to conserve power and getting people into better habits, city employees will be walking door to door, conduct a brief survey, answer questions and pass out free light bulbs! Personally, I can't wait.

In about 2002, much to Bill's chagrin, I changed all the light bulbs in the house to energy efficient ones. I'm sure after five years; a bulb in my house may be coming to the end of its life.

We've got a pretty good deal here in Banning. It gets better if you take advantage of the rebates offered



IN THE REAL WORD is written for the Record Gazette by Gail Paparian, a Banning resident for nearly six years, has served on Banning (and Riverside County) commissions and committees.
She currently serves on the following boards: Community Blood Bank, San Gorgonio Pass Rotary, San Gorgonio Pass Boys and Girls Club and a member of the Banning Economic Development Committee.
Gail and her husband Bill Paparian created a service called Writing Solutions in 1996. Gail has also written for a number of local and national magazines and newspapers over the years. Currently, she provides public relations consulting services for the Banning Unified School District. She can be reached at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .