Recent increases in water rates have concerned many Lubbock residents, and LP&L is often the first place irritated taxpayers turn to vent their frustrations. The reason is simple: all of the city-owned utility bills are included together in one LP&L envelope even though LP&L is no longer managed by the city. Too many Lubbockites see their utility bills and blame LP&L for the policies and rates of other city utilities. Here are the facts.

As your home-owned power company, LP&L is managed and staffed by local citizens you know as friends and neighbors. We're all vitally interested in the quality of life in our hometown. Sure, we're concerned about an increase in our water rates - but we're even more concerned about having enough water to keep Lubbock a great place to live, work and raise our families.

We believe our city leaders have the best interests for all of Lubbock in their hearts. We're counting on them to do what's best for Lubbock rather than ignoring today's urgent needs and sacrificing tomorrow's growth and quality of life. In the past, Lubbock has risen to the occasion when critical times arose; we believe we will do so again.

In 2004, 83 percent of Lubbockites voted overwhelmingly for an independent LP&L board made up of respected local citizens. In effect, the vote took management of LP&L away from city hall and placed it in the hands of experienced business leaders.

Lubbock's water, sewer, stormwater and solid waste departments remained under city hall's management; however, for four years, LP&L has been managed by an independent board of respected, knowledgeable citizens who have given their time and leadership to ensure Lubbock taxpayers continue to have dependable electric service at rates that are among the lowest in the state.

The board looks for common-sense ways to keep costs, and rates, down. More than 75 percent of Lubbock homeowners are LP&L customers, so it makes sense to include all of the city-owned utilities on one statement. This grouping of statements may cause LP&L to take the brunt of taxpayers' irritation when rates go up - but it saves both taxpayers and city hall money.

Today LP&L's efficient billing system is used to process all City of Lubbock utility bills. LP&L also provides a telephone answering service that directs callers with questions about any of the city's utility bills and service calls.

LP&L meter readers are used to gather the usage figures for the city-managed departments as they check LP&L meters. The city pays LP&L a fee for these services and eliminates duplication of efforts. This common-sense way of doing business is more convenient for families and businesses and it saves taxpayers and city hall millions of dollars each year.

In less than five years the wisdom of the voters has been proven; LP&L is back in the black and regaining the respect it deserves. Last month LP&L lowered electric bills due to falling fuel prices for all classes of customers as we head into the summer months.

This month, Fitch Ratings, the global rating agency, singled out LP&L from other city entities and boosted the company's rating from "BBB+" to "A-" due to LP&L's continued financial improvement. This will reduce the interest rates on the City of Lubbock's several million dollars of outstanding electric light and power system revenue bonds.

As always, LP&L homeowners will have the lowest electric rates in the Lubbock market and will be among the lowest rates in the state. It's part of the Home-Owned-Advantage that Lubbock has enjoyed for more than 90 years. Thanks for taking time to read this information about what's good and right about Lubbock. Now, here's an idea from LP&L that will let LP&L customers help less fortunate customers with their utility bills.

LP&L is now starting a campaign to re-inform customers of an existing program to help those who need help with their electric bills. The program is called, "Project Helping Hands." It encourages LP&L customers to round up their monthly bill to the next dollar or pledge a donation of $1 or more each month. Pledges can be cancelled at any time and the money raised will be completely separate from LP&L.

Statement stuffer pledge forms will soon be included in all LP&L statements or customers may call 775-2509 or go online at lpandl.com to learn more about Project Helping Hands and to join this neighbor-helping-neighbor campaign.

Thanks from your friends and neighbors at LP&L.

W. R. COLLIER is chairman of the Electric Utility Board.