OPALCO’s recent “guest opinion,” “Alliance a ‘game–changer’ in tele-com,” March 4, pg. 7, and bill insert “understanding the rate increase” are specious.

Building for broadband internet service is not like “bringing electricity to the islands in 1937.” Being a member and paying for it then was a choice each person could make on their own. Not so with broadband.

Electric ratepayers subsidize that service extensively. The only choice they have now is to change the board of directors or to disconnect their service.

Many millions in increased debt, rates, and operating expenses will be paid through members electric bills. Construction costs claimed to be for grid control and paid by electric rates are to be used for broadband service.

As one example of rising cost, simply by dividing the increase in operating expenses from 10 years ago by today’s total meters makes your share right now about $600 per year, or $50 per month. And the big spending has only just begun.

It’s not a question of whether broadband is useful or good. It is both. It’s not whether you hate CenturyLink, or think that: “Somebody has to do it”. The question is whether the broadband customer, generally those with more money, should be subsidized by the electric ratepayer. Those who can’t afford or don’t want broadband will be paying for it anyway.

We all are, already, with much worse to come if this board continues as is. Words like scam and theft come to mind.

The question is also whether OPALCO’s former financial strength, lower rates, and integrity should be sacrificed so a minority of well-heeled members can get the internet speed wanted for video and gaming. Well over half of internet traffic is for entertainment. Are games and movies worth it?

Members, please wake up and speak up. Despite the policies and obligations of this board of directors, you are being deceived and used. Our formerly reliable electric co-op has been hijacked by broadband extremists.

Steve Hudson/San Juan Island