why did the government ever introduce standing charges on gas water and...

[alf the gardener]

...electricity in the 1970's? a/ was it what they said at the time rising oil prices.
b/ was it a brand new tax on the poor so they would pay more pro rata.
c/was it to upgrade all the infrastructures at no cost to the companies or shareholders.
whichever it was with global warming and the envirement issues it should certainly be removed
now as an incentive to people to use less energy, and if they dont remove it, then we know for
certain all this global energy talk is just an excuse to tax us even more.
mr warrior.
I thought when they were all nationalised, that the public payed for all the gas electric and water lines in their rates, and when they were privatised it was the duty of the companies to maintain them before paying huge dividends but perhaps I am just simple.

 

[hitlady]

Because if they hadn't the Nixon Administration would have brought us down. gas, water and electricity are staples. The countries that do not provide these "privileges" are condemned to keep it's poorest in huts and caves. Look how fast our beautiful NYC to look like a War Zone? Not as fast as Oklahoma City though...I was pumping gas for a living in 1979 when the Gas hit $1.00 a gallon and a five gallon limit. If things had not been limited there would have been third world ramifications. It was dangerous work. your A,B,C's need a trip through history. Speak to a Soldier. A librarian, a displaced housewife. Anybody who has ever had their heat or electricity cut off because it was a choice of ear medicine for your kid or going without.