BCUC reduces BC Hydro rates
The 2011-12 increase will stay at eight percent as previously directed by the BCUC on an interim basis and implemented by BC Hydro on May 1. For 2012-13, rates have gone up by 7.1 per cent, allowing BC Hydro to pay down its deferral and regulatory accounts at an accelerated pace. This increase was also recommended by the BCUC and put in place on April 1, 2012. An average household has seen bills change by about $5.40 per month.
On April 1, 2013, rates will be kept to a minimum, rising by only 1.44 per cent or $1.20 for an average monthly bill. The total rate increase over three years will be about 17 per cent, ensuring that British Columbian families pay among the lowest electricity rates in North America.
The provincial government and BC Hydro have achieved this rate reduction by lowering BC HydroÂ’s costs and by the Province forgoing $75 million in dividends over three years.
Related News
Electricity and water do mix: How electric ships are clearing the air on the B.C. coast
TORONTO - The river is running strong and currents are swirling as the 150-metre-long Seaspan Reliant slides gently into place against its steel loading ramp on the shores of B.C.'s silty Fraser River.
The crew hustles to tie up the ship, and then begins offloading dozens of transport trucks that have been brought over from Vancouver Island.
While it looks like many vessels working the B.C. coast, below decks, the ship is very different. The Reliant is a hybrid, partly powered by electricity, the seagoing equivalent of a Toyota Prius.
Down below decks, Sean Puchalski walks past a whirring internal…
