Entergy is lying through their teeth about the whole ordeal. Claiming the data center would not impact rates while fighting like hell to suppress the details of their deal with Google.
At the same time, they are currently pitching a full rate restructuring to the Arkansas Public Service Commission which will absolutely increase rates. Especially for small businesses.
Sarah Sanders administration also bears some responsibility for this bullshit. After Ted Thomas resigned as PSC chairman in 2022, the governors office began working hard to make the PSC much more friendly to utilities and much less friendly to rate payers.
In some ways, this is Arkansas voters having the day they voted for. Ya'll wanted a governor who was "pro business" (aka pro corruption) and now you've got a PSC -- which is supposed to advocate for ratepayers -- that just rubber stamps rate increase requests.
I think I understand what you're talking about. I wouldn't classify the extra words I use as strictly "filler" words. My phrasing is designed to avoid speaking in absolutes. I'm sure it was intentional at one point but it's been a habit for so long that it's become automatic.
I've considered why I do this and come up with a few reasons. First, because I routinely doubt myself. Even on topics where I am an expert. Imposter syndrome is real. Second, because I often find myself having to deliver news that the other person(s) doesn't want to hear and I feel like it helps "soften the blow." And third, to give myself the feeling of plausible denyability; even if there really is none. e.g. "I said
<X>
could happen, not would happen."TLDR: Because I doubt myself and want to avoid conflict.
But there are times when I will drop the fillers. And it's not really a conscious effort. If I'm talking about something I feel morally responsible for, I will drop the bullshit and get straight to the point. It happens when I've decided that I'm going to die on this [proverbial] hill and that doing what I think is right outweighs any potential consequences. I can coun't on one, maybe two hands where I've felt I had to choose between a job or a friend and my personal ethics.
In those moments, the fillers go away because my choice is already made.