Once again, kudos for the article about Fortis electric. You asked us for ideas. Here is mine.
Frankly, I can’t make up my mind whether we should rename Groundhog Day as either Fortis Day (as we are stuck in a perpetual increase) or The Nightmare on Elm Street, changed only to reflect Fortis land.
But to really grasp the situation we must go back to the Campbell liberal government who started us on carbon reduction. They, in their wisdom, instructed the BC Utilities Commission to implement policies to reduce consumption.
This body no longer looks out for the consumer. Their two-tier electric rate is regressive and punishes those who use electricity for home heating. It is in my opinion a waste of time complaining to them as it was goverment that gave them marching orders.
What we will get from poorly heated homes will be increased illness, unpleasant living conditions and reduced productivity, and of course, this impacts the hardest on those with the lowest incomes.
Both you and I were at the last all-candidates meeting (for MLA) and candidate Linda Larson was very clear in expressing her dislike of the high electric bills (as were all other candidates).
Mrs. Larson, you are now part of the government. What say you now?
The BCUC will only give relief if the government sets a policy adjustment to make allowance for those who are being abused by Fortis and the two-tier penalty for electric heat customers.
Jim McGinnigle, Oliver
