Everyone’s an Energy Trader

[ergophobe]

Everyone's an Energy Trader as Power Bills Hit the Sky in the US (Bloomberg)

https://stocks.apple.com/AQJSdf_NSSia-OMD_wE6RFQ

That's because under so-called customer-choice programs that predominate in these states, consumers have the option to go with a variable rate of electric, oil or natural gas — usually the priciest option — or lock in a fixed rate that comes with a term ranging from six months to as many as five years

Another segment of the US economy goes self-service.

[rcjordan]

In NC, power rate change requests must go before the Utilities Commission - a tribunal that is usually leans pro-consumer. (Louise's mom was Chief Clerk.)  I wonder how long before we'll be forced to subscribe to contracts like BOL's.

[rcjordan]

I'm seeing a steady number of howls about rates & power bills from central & western NC.  Some of it is attributed to increased consumption due to the higher-than-past summer temps, but there is a price hike in the mix, too.  (I'm not on Duke Power.)

Rising natural gas prices push up Duke Energy electric rates in NC
https://www.whqr.org/2022-08-29/rising-natural-gas-prices-push-up-duke-energy-electric-rates-in-nc

[rcjordan]

Traders Are Hoarding Gas at Sea on Hopes of Europe Winter Price Surge

https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/commodities/energy-crisis-traders-hoarding-lng-sea-profit-price-spikes-2022-9