On 1/30/2013 5:03 PM, John Levine wrote:
The muni power companies around here provide service every bit as good
as NYSEG, the private power company, at literally half the price.
The muni providers have a bunch of cost advantages that help them keep
the price lower.
municipal utilities:
- sell bonds cheaper (holders get tax-advantaged rates in interest
income, and are ultimately backed by the muni taxpayers)
- don't pay property tax on real-estate or sales tax on equipment used.
- can force sale of property to collect unpaid bills
- leverage municipal employees for customer support (can pay my water
bill at the city clerk's office)
