The Campbell Liberal government has gutted Hydro and driven the price of electricity sky high, and now their two tier rate scheme will make life more expensive for families in Prince Rupert say North Coast MLA Gary Coons and New Democrat Critic for Rural Communities Robin Austin.
“The Campbell energy plan forced Hydro to pay premium rates to Campbell’s friends for low value electricity,” said Austin, the MLA for Skeena, “now Hydro has to raise their rates, and they are using this two tier scheme to cover up the big giveaway.”
“This two tier rate scheme penalizes families and people who live up north,” said Coons, “and it wouldn’t be necessary if Campbell’s energy plan wasn’t strangling Hydro.”
Campbell’s energy plan stated all new energy capacity in British Columbia had to come from private sources, even though electricity created by private producers costs more than energy produced by the public system.
“Campbell is more interested in giving away our rivers to his friends than making sure that British Columbians get the best deal on electricity,” said Coons. “If Campbell cared about the cost of electricity he wouldn’t be privatizing Hydro by stealth.”
The two tier scheme charges a lower rate for the first 1,350 kWh used by a household customer, and a higher rate for any electricity above that amount. Increased costs created by private power generation will be applied to the second block rate.
“The two tier rate punishes northerners, families and students who live in shared housing,” said Austin. “The only thing green about this scheme is all the money being made by friends and insiders of the Campbell government.”
“Every increase in the cost of Hydro makes gas and wood heat look more attractive,” said Coons. “If this government cared about the environment, and cared about families, they would keep hydro affordable.”