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verizon-plans-to-abandon-copper-wires-in-islands-damaged-by-sandy
Article filed under Broadband | Written by Lisa Gonzalez | No Comments | Updated on Jun 19, 2013

Verizon Plans to Abandon Copper Wires In Islands Damaged by Sandy

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.muninetworks.org/content/verizon-plans-abandon-copper-wires-islands-damaged-sandy

Victims of Sandy are still recovering from the killer storm that ripped through the east coast last year. Two places hardest hit by the “Frankenstorm” were Fire Island, New York and the Barrier Island in New Jersey. In addition to homes and property, residents lost phone and Internet communications when telephone wires went down. They… Continue reading

kentuckians-once-again-fighting-to-keep-landlines
Article filed under Broadband | Written by Lisa Gonzalez | No Comments | Updated on Feb 22, 2013

Kentuckians Once Again Fighting to Keep Landlines

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.muninetworks.org/content/kentuckians-once-again-fighting-keep-landlines

Last year, we reported on the failed SB 135, which would have eliminated the “carrier of last resort” requirement in the state. The bill, sponsored by Republican Senator Paul Hornback would have let AT&T decide who could receive basic telephone service and would have limited consumer protections. Last year’s bill did not become law, but… Continue reading

mn-house-committee-learns-about-the-pucbroadband-relationship
Article filed under Broadband | Written by Lisa Gonzalez | No Comments | Updated on Jan 31, 2013

MN House Committee Learns About the PUC/Broadband Relationship

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.muninetworks.org/content/mn-house-committee-learns-about-pucbroadband-relationship

We want to thank Ann Treacy from the Blandin Foundation for getting out and reporting on many events dealing with telecommunications. We know we can rely on her to faithfully share her findings via the Bladin on Broadband blog. Last week, Ann attended the Labor, Workplace and Regulated Industries Committee at the Minnesota House of… Continue reading

John Farrell
Featured Article, Resource filed under Energy | Written by John Farrell | 2 Comments | Updated on Nov 9, 2012

Finding Value in Distributed Generation, Before it Finds You

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/finding-distributed-generation-finds/

ILSR Senior Researcher John Farrell is giving this presentation to a collaborative meeting of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the National Association of Regulatory Commissioners (NARUC) this weekend.  It highlights the proven value of distributed solar to utility grid systems and the urgent need for regulators and utilities to incorporate this value into… Continue reading

public-service-commissioner-calls-mississippi-gov-coin-operated
Article filed under Broadband | Written by Christopher | No Comments | Updated on Aug 7, 2012

Public Service Commissioner Calls Mississippi Gov "Coin-Operated"

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.muninetworks.org/content/public-service-commissioner-calls-mississippi-gov-coin-operated

We have watched in growing horror as AT&T and other telco lobbyists have gone from state to state gutting telecommunications oversight. In several states, you no longer have an absolute right to a telephone – the companies can refuse to serve you if they so choose. We tip our hat to Phil Dampier at Stop… Continue reading

state-by-state-campaign-to-gut-consumer-telecom-protections
Article filed under Broadband | Written by Christopher | No Comments | Updated on Apr 24, 2012

State by State Campaign to Gut Consumer Telecom Protections

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.muninetworks.org/content/state-state-campaign-gut-consumer-telecom-protections

In most states, telephone companies are required to serve everyone and when there are problems with the service, the state can mandate that the company fix them. But AT&T and ALEC are leading the charge to let these massive companies decide for themselves who should have access to a telephone, taking state regulators out of… Continue reading

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Article filed under The Public Good | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on Nov 10, 2009

On Energy Questions, State’s Leaders Should Listen Better

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/energy-questions-states-leaders-should-listen-better/

How many times do the people have to be proven right before their political leaders listen to them? The recent cancellation of Big Stone II by its investors brings that question to mind. Back in 2006, seven Minnesota utilities asked the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission for permission to build a large coal fired power… Continue reading

Article filed under Energy, The Public Good | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on Apr 24, 2009

If it’s citizens vs. utilities, utilities win

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/if-its-citizens-vs-utilities-utilities-win/

The PUC has an approval process that stacks the deck against the public.

A few days ago the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved a massive high voltage transmission project (known as CapX) that will cost Minnesotans an amount equal to the projected biennium state budget deficit and four times the total bill to taxpayers for the Gopher and Twins stadiums. 

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Article filed under The Public Good | Written by David Morris | No Comments | Updated on Oct 13, 2002

Business Forum: When it comes to good energy planning, Xcel is in the way

The content that follows was originally published on the Institute for Local Self-Reliance website at http://www.ilsr.org/16978/

Business Forum: When it comes to good energy planning, Xcel is in the way By David Morris Originally Published in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, October 13, 2002 Recent revelations about Xcel’s corporate conduct have galvanized a flurry of activism by state agencies. The Attorney General’s office, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the Department of… Continue reading