6 chapters across the catalog
FCC Net Neutrality Vote, Broadband Reclassification
The FCC has voted to restore net neutrality rules, reclassifying broadband as a public utility under Title II. While proponents argue this prevents ISPs from favoring specific content, skeptics suggest the "safe and fast" internet branding is a cover for increased government regulatory power and the potential blocking of decentralized content.
Customers of the wholesale electricity provider Gritty reported massive bill surges, with some facing charges of over $1,000 for a single week of service. Gritty, which passes wholesale market prices directly to consumers for a monthly fee, had urged its 29,000 customers to switch providers before the storm, but many were unable to do so. The Texas Public Utility Commission is expected to investigate these extreme billing incidents.
The introduction of water charges in Ireland has sparked widespread protests. One of the hosts compares this to his own utility bill in Austin, Texas, noting the oddity of being charged more for sewage than for the actual water consumed.
Michael Powell, NCTA Keynote and Infrastructure Decay
Michael Powell, Chairman of the National Cable Television Association, delivered a keynote arguing against regulating broadband as a public utility. Powell pointed to the crumbling state of U.S. roads, water mains, and the electric grid as evidence that government utility regulation leads to decay. He contrasted these failing systems with the privately funded, rapidly expanding broadband network.
California Climate Credit and Utility Bill Bribes
California residents and small businesses are receiving a "Climate Credit" on their utility bills in April and October, funded by payments from large industrial emitters. The hosts describe this as a "bribe" or a "round-robin" tax scheme where the government takes money from industries and returns a portion to consumers to gain support for climate policies. The credit applies to customers of major utilities like PG&E and Southern California Edison.
Utility Bill Discrepancy, California Public Utilities Commission
A host reports receiving a water and electricity bill for $1,400 despite being away from home for over five weeks with most appliances turned off. The incident is used to criticize the lack of oversight by the Public Utilities Commission and the perceived inaccuracy of utility usage estimates.
