Rural Nelson could see hydro rates increase by 10 per cent

Rural residents in Nelson could see an increase on their hydro bills starting on Jan. 1 2023.

Council voted unanimously on a motion to raise rural hydro consumption rates by 9.87 per cent, pending a decision by the BC Utilities Commission.

According to Nelson Hydro, the increase could translate into an additional 13 dollars a month for the average rural hydro consumer.

Director of Nelson Hydro Scott Spencer said increasing rates is an extensive process that must be done in an informative and transparent manner that is easy for residents to understand.

“Over the past two years we have been working with the BC Utilities Commission to establish a cost of service process that allows us to set rates in a fair and transparent way,” said Spencer. 

Spencer said they looked at every avenue before implementing a rate increase because they know residents are struggling to make ends meet. 

“We recognize these difficult times, and people are struggling with high inflation and cost of living,” said Spencer. “That is why we analyzed everything before implementing a rate increase for the value of service.”

He notes there were a number of factors including other costs residents must pay that Nelson Hydro had to consider before implementing a rural increase.  

“We automatically have to factor in Fortis BC’s rate increase of 3.99 per cent, and we recognize inflationary pressures of 5.35 per cent,” Spencer explained. “It is a big hit, but we have done everything we can to keep the rate below 10 per cent.”

Spencer said the cost increase should be manageable to rural consumers.

Hydro presented council with the application to increase rates in October, and is still waiting for approval from the BC Utilities Commission.

Continue Reading

chnv Now playing play

ckkc Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

B.C. urges water conservation as drought deepens in some regions

British Columbia’s water, land and resource stewardship minister is encouraging residents to conserve water, saying drought is worsening in parts of the province. 

Tubs, a sweetie-pie cat just for you!

Meet Tubs! She is this week's Summit Radio Pet of the Week with the West Kootenay Branch of the BCSPCA. 

Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued in East and West Kootenay

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for both the East and West Kootenay. 

Support local seniors through Kootenay Seniors’ 50/50 Raffle

Win up to $10,000 while helping seniors get where they need to go.

B.C. adds 5k jobs in June, led by gains in part-time work

British Columbia added 5,000 jobs in June but saw a dip in full-time employment, according to the latest jobs report from Statistics Canada. 
- Advertisement -