Fortis delays rate application, still time for customer input into two-tiered residential rate

PENTICTON  – Residents of the South Okanagan and Similkameen experiencing hardship from Fortis’ residential conservation rate still have time to make their feelings known to the B.C. Utilities Commission.

The two-tiered rate charged by Fortis has been criticized since its introduction in 2012 as discriminatory for its negative impact, mainly on rural residents and those who don’t have access to alternate forms of energy. The cost of electricity jumps significantly after the first 1,600 kWh used, a threshold easily exceeded by those using electricity for space and water heating.

Anarchist Mountain Community Society member Nick Marty, who is heading a joint intervenor group along with the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen into Fortis’ upcoming rate application, says Fortis issued a letter in November announcing delay of their application until Dec. 22.

“It seems obvious nothing will be happening before the New Year,” he said today, Dec. 6.

Marty made a pitch to the regional district board to apply for intervenor status alongside the Anarchist Mountain Society at a board meeting in October. The regional district is collecting testimonials from rural area residents affected negatively by the residential conservation rate.

Residents experiencing hardship because of the rate will continue to have an opportunity to submit a testimonial to the regional district through December, Marty says.

Testimonials can be made to Christie Lang at the regional district, by email at: clang@rdos.bc.ca, or they can be delivered to 101 Martin Street, Penticton, V2A 5J9.

Testimonials should be brief (no more than half a page), including an honest depiction of the effects of the conservation rate on your household.

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