Four South Okanagan–Similkameen governments are calling on the province of British Columbia to better explain the necessity of increased utility rates undertaken by FortisBC last month.
In a letter to Premier Christy Clark, signed by the chair of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen and the respective chiefs of the Penticton, Osoyoos and Lower Similkameen Indian Bands, the joint council expressed concern “regarding the current and proposed rate increases, the British Columbia Utilities Commission’s reaction and the lack of response from FortisBC regarding requests for consultation and referral.”
“Due to the challenge customers face with rising energy costs, heat and electricity have become a luxury in British Columbia,” the letter reads.
At last week’s board meeting, Boundary-Similkameen MLA Linda Larson read a letter from the commission.
The letter indicates that the conservation rate is having a small impact, but due to the amount of concern expressed, it wants Fortis to report again by November 30.
Larson is encouraging everyone who has been adversely affected by the two-tier rate to continue to write to the commission with their concerns.
“My reaction is don’t give up, keep the letters and petitions going in to the BCUC with proper documentation (photocopies of bills from a year ago and now).”
