Troy Shantz
A recent news report that indicated Sarnia has some of the highest hydro rates in Ontario got it wrong, says the head of Bluewater Power.
The National Post story looked at hydro rates across the province and how monthly bills vary widely, with rural customers paying much more than residents of Toronto.
An interactive map indicated the average monthly bill in Sarnia is $195.45, after HST, which would place the local rate among the highest in the province.
Not so, according to the CEO of Bluewater Power.
“It is not the reality of what a Bluewater Power customer faces, or what any other customer faces,” Janice McMichael-Dennis said.
The report calculated average bills at 1,000 kilowatt hours of power whereas the Ontario average is 650 kwh.
That “skews the numbers,” she said.
“When you re-run at the real consumption level our bill is slightly below the average bill in Ontario.”
The average electricity bill for customers of the local utility is $116 plus HS, or $131, which is $2 below the provincial average, McMichael-Dennis said.
Nevertheless, rapidly rising hydro rates are causing real hardship in Sarnia.
The average Ontario consumer has seen prices rise by 15% over the past year, putting the squeeze on both businesses and residential consumers, officials say.
By some estimates, provincial hydro rates have doubled in five years.
“I’ve heard very sad stories of people eating less; literally eating less,” said Sarnia Coun. Brian White. “
“Eating really terrible food in order to make sure they can pay their bill.”
Hydro One produces the province’s electricity and companies like Bluewater Power distribute it to consumers.
McMichael-Dennis said the utility is doing what it can to help those struggling to pay power bills.
“We live here, we work here. These are our friends, our neighbours. Because of that, I’m proud to say that we are an exceptionally compassionate company,” she said.
“We try to accommodate these people who are truly suffering.”