To the editor:

I recently attended a public meeting at the Grange Hall on the topic “Is Public Power Right for Bainbridge?” and found the whole concept of public power an exciting opportunity for Bainbridge Island residents.

The economics of having our own utility are compelling. This island has a $17 million a year power bill. Almost none of this money stays on the island. I was surprised to learn that PSE has no employees here and is foreign owned by the Macquarie Bank of Sydney Australia, so much of this money actually goes offshore as profits. Having control of our power options is also a great way to get off of fossil fuels now and not leaving the problems to our children.

Two years ago, Jefferson PUD in Port Townsend bought out PSE’s electric system there. Today it has 35 employees and purchases many supplies and services locally, keeping millions of dollars in the local economy. Bainbridge needs to take a hard look at doing what dozens of communities like Port Angeles, Seattle and Jefferson County have done and establish its own non-profit electric utility. A limited amount of clean, low cost power is available from the Bonneville Power Administration for the next few years. The island should act soon to establish an electric system owned by the community.

A new organization called Island Power is spearheading this initiative. Visit their website (www.island-power.org) to sign the petition to get the initiative on the ballot in an upcoming city election. Attend a meeting (www.island-power.org/meetings/) to have your questions answered and get involved.

Let’s do this for us. Let’s do it for our kids. Let’s do it for Bainbridge Island!

LAUREN ROMAN

Bainbridge Island