Little more than three months ago (Aug. 16) B.C. Energy Minister Bennett informed rate payers that they would experience no rate increase as a result of his government agreeing to an out of court settlement to the tune of $750 million to the State of California.
This week’s announcement of a new double-digit multi-year hydro rate increase brings serious doubt to Energy Minister Bennett’s credibility.
Just a couple questions for Premier Christy Clark, Energy Minister Bennett:
Is the province of B.C. still sending power to the not-so-great state of California (even though they sued us and didn’t pay their hydro bill)?
How does the BC government justify having previously taken $500 million each from BC Hydro and ICBC client receivables accounts on an annual basis?
Wasn’t the money in those accounts a result of BC Hydro and ICBC clients paying a little extra (of their after tax dollars) for that rainy day (like today) when those funds would be required for reinvestment in infrastructure?
What measures are being taken to assist B.C. seniors (and others on fixed incomes) of whom most assuredly will be unable to pay their hydro bill in the very near future?
Alan Kidd
Penticton