Hydro is going up as BCUC rejects the NDP’s proposal to freeze rates
Posted March 1, 2018 3:15 pm.
Last Updated March 1, 2018 4:26 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – British Columbians are being left out in the cold as the BC Utilities Commission has rejected the BC government’s proposal to freeze hydro rates in the province. The BCUC says there is insufficient regulatory justification to approve the NDP plan.
What this means for you is a three per cent increase in rates starting on April 1st.
Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Michelle Mungall says she’s disappointed in the agency’s decision.
“We completely understand the affordability crisis so many families face, and will be taking action quickly to address the need to reduce electricity costs for those who need it most. Government will work with BC Hydro and customer groups on a lifeline rate program. The program could mean that people who have demonstrated need would have access to a lower rate for their electricity.”
She adds beginning in May, BC Hydro residential customers who, for example, lose their job or have to deal with unexpected medical issues, will be eligible for a grant towards their outstanding bill. “The grant is up to $600 and does not need to be repaid. Last month, BC Hydro announced enhanced measures to help customers manage higher winter bills, including a winter payment plan, giving customers the option to spread bill payments over a six-month period, and increased funding for low-income energy-conservation programs,” she adds.
The BC NDP government previously announced to help lower hydro costs, it would be phased in provincial sales tax (PST) on electricity. “Following the 50 per cent reduction that started on Jan. 1, 2018, government will completely eliminate the PST on non-residential electricity on Apr. 1, 2019. Residential use of electricity is already PST-exempt. Eliminating the PST on electricity will translate into savings of more than $150 million annually for BC businesses,” explains Mungall.
READ BELOW: BCUC Decision on BC Hydro Rates
BC Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson issued a statement a couple of hours after the BCUC decision and in part it reads:
“John Horgan and the NDP made a firm commitment to British Columbians that hydro bills would be frozen. Today, we have learned that rates are in fact going up. The same NDP that found it so easy to make big promises during an election campaign finds itself, once again, unable to deliver on them when in government.
The hydro rate freeze now joins the renters’ rebate, the 114,000 new units of affordable housing, $10-a-day child care and massive tax hikes on the NDP’s growing pile of broken promises.”
