People React To Alabama Power Rate Increases

HOOVER, Ala—Drivers on Highway 31 in Hoover had to do a double-take Tuesday as they drove past the Jet-Pep gas station.

Gas there was going for just under $3.30 a gallon.

It had drivers like Miracle Smith spending a good part of their nights waiting their turns in line.

“I’ve been here an hour now so there’s really no point in leaving,” she said.

She certainly wasn’t alone.

With prices rising on almost everything from energy to food these days, people are looking for innovative ways to save.

“A few years ago, if you made $23 thousand a year you could pay a car note, pay your rent, have some meals out and live comfortably.  Now you have to rob Peter to pay Paul,” Smith said.

Many of those waiting drivers heard on the radio that their electric bills are going up, too.

“It’s crazy, it’s hard to make it, but with two people working, you do the best you can, but it’s not easy,” Jessica Grammer said.

Grammer has three kids and both she and her husband work. 

They feel the pinch when their bills start to rise.

“it makes a big impact when you buy groceries and lunches for school,” Grammer said.  “It adds up quick, and now you’re looking at Christmas now, and you’re thinking ‘oh my gosh’.”

If time is money, people waiting for gas at low prices in Hoover Tuesday decided having some extra cash in their pockets meant much more than having a few extra minutes.

“Yes, it’s worth it,” Tammy Smith said, “every dollar counts, every penny counts with the economy the way it is.”   

After all, you never know when prices are going to go up, yet again.

As part of Tuesday’s agreement, Alabama Power has agreed not to raise rates for all of 2009.

And people on supplemental security and some on Medicaid will be exempt if they apply to Alabama Power.