Fade to Black

Once again, Georgia Power is providing their usual deplorable (lack of) service.

What, you say? Well, there is a reason that Ms. Packratty has the power outage reporting number on the speed dial of her phone.

Why is the power out? Well, it's raining. Big surprise. Most places that aren't located in deserts get rain every now and again, but here in Georgia, the power company seems to be unable to provide reliable service. The power goes out at Chez Packrat at least 2-3 times a month for varying periods and all too often, it goes out roughly once a week.

This morning, there was a SINGLE crackle of thunder and the power went out. It came back up and then 15 minutes later, we descended back into darkness. According to the morons at Georgia PPower, the service was supposed to be back on by 11:30 a.m., but now they have moved that estimate back to 4:30 p.m. God only knows when the power will actually come back on. If the power is out for 8 hours, that's roughly 5% of a week. I don't think there are many people who would consider it acceptable if their water went out for 8 hours a week.

Ms. Packratty is SOOOOO not happy about trying to shower and dress in dark - thank heavens the load of clothing she had in the drier from last night had dried. Even so, the load in the washer, which she had planned to dry first thing and which contained almost all of her standard wear black trousers, is still sitting undried and will probably turn sour enough to require a rewash. Which wastes water, wastes electricity, wastes gas (for a warm water wash), wastes detergent and hence sewer treatment capacity, wastes her time, adds additional wear and tear to the washer - all because Georgia Power IS NOT AS RELIABLE AS FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT WAS IN 1969. That's 40 years ago, folks. 40 years ago and Georgia Power can't meet the standards of another company from nearly half a century ago? Because Ms. Packratty checked with her mother, who told her that the only time she recalled the power going out in Tampa was when there was a HURRICANE.

If Ms. Packratty wanted to live in a Third World country with unreliable power, etc., she would go do so. In the United States, she expects her power to stay on unless there is remarkably severe weather or other natural disaster. A moderate rain with little or no lightning is NOT an acceptable reason for a power outage and there is NO acceptable reason for the power to go out weekly.

Color Ms. Packratty annoyed. Very Annoyed. Calling the Public Service Commission Annoyed.