The Electric Co.

On the same day our friend Cal (Freedom's pal) called to see if we had power, because he and 4,200 others went a few hours without, MidAmerican Energy had a rate increase brochure in our mailbox.

The company claims this is the first base rate increase they have requested since 1995.

Semantics and the scientific community is united in that fact.

Just last fall they were awarded a rate increase by the Iowa Utilities Board because -- Higher rates were warranted to cover increased environmental costs, increased costs of coal to fuel MidAmerican power plants, and increased coal transportation costs.

According to MidAmerican's President and CEO, this increase is because the "day-to-day operations and maintenance costs, such as materials, supplies, and the labor associated with generating and delivering electricity, have continued to rise tremendously. In addition, the projected cost of fuel and evolving environmental standards significantly impact our business."

The same reasons for the rate hike last year.

We know one guy is happy about the increase

electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket…even regardless of what I say about whether coal is good or bad, because I’m capping greenhouse gasses, coal power plants, natural gas…you name it…whatever the plants were, whatever the industry was, they would have to retro-fit their operations. That will cost money…they will pass that money on to the consumers

Obama's buddy, Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway, should just suck it up and take a hit in their bottom line since neither one is good about paying their fare share of taxes.