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Letter: Rates aren’t fair

Writer chimes in on Fortis B.C.’s two-tier rate system
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Penticton Western News letters to the editor.

Rates aren’t fair

The following letter is in relationship to my concern for all electrical consumers regarding FortisBC’s exorbitant two-tier rate system.

Around the past six years, more than plenty has been expressed by very many people about this issue, especially to our past B.C. Liberal government. Unfortunately, nothing was done about rectifying this matter of social injustice. Numerous letters were also sent to FortisBC, as well as to the B.C. Utilities Commission. They both said the rates were fair.

According to many consumers, they cannot afford to pay their power bills and also have enough money left to pay for other necessities. (Therefore, poverty is creating increasing numbers of homeless people, e.g. the Carmi Hills tenters and a lot more).

Our highest power bill (Dec. 8, 2016 to Feb. 8, 2017) during the coldest two winter months, was $1,351.73. This was for our family residence. In our specific case, we have no other alternative sources with which to heat our home. Upgrading was pursued, but this would have been very expensive and also physically impossible. This also applies to very many other home owners.

Over the past, approximately, six years FortisBC has had approximately 14 rate increases amounting to about 44 per cent. Now they have the nerve to be asking for yet another rate increase? Most family incomes do not increase proportionately to keep abreast with this present rate of inflation.

Like very many other people, we feel that our electrical rates need a thorough examination by our new NDP government, immediately. The present two-tier rate system definitely needs revision to justly accommodate everyone.

We urgently call upon our present government and all other authorities of concern to begin immediate action before the next winter sets in upon us. Please and thank you.

James Demetrick

Oliver