Thousands of Wyoming businesses see higher bills
Forest Wakefield, who runs the Log Cabin Motel in Pinedale with his wife, said the change has resulted in their motel's power bill going up two to three times what it was last year.
The Wakefields said they're worried this winter's electric bills will force them to close the motel until spring.
The billing change assesses additional fees on certain customers with higher power demands.
About 6,500 of Rocky Mountain Power's nearly 130,000 customers in Wyoming were affected by the new formula, according to Chris Petrie, secretary and chief counsel for the Wyoming Public Service Commission.
Rocky Mountain Power spokesman David Eskelsen said the change was needed to help pay for millions of dollars in new power generators and infrastructure.
Eskelsen acknowledged that some Wyoming power customers have seen "dramatic" changes in their power bills, but he said Rocky Mountain Power is working to help them find ways to lower their electricity usage.
In the Wakefields' case, conducting an energy audit might help the couple find ways to lower their energy usage, Petrie said.
But Wakefield said that's not practical for a motel.
"If you're running a hotel, you should tell your clients to not take a shower or use the water heater?" Wakefield said.
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BC Hydro launches program to help coronavirus-affected customers with their bills
VANCOUVER - BC Hydro is implementing a program to help people pay their bills if they’re affected by the novel coronavirus.
The Crown corporation says British Columbians are facing a variety of financial pressures related to the COVID-19 pandemic, as some workplaces close or reduce staffing levels.
BC Hydro said it also expects increased power usage as more people stay home amid health officials’ requests that people take social distancing measures.
Under the new program, customers will be able to defer bill payments or arrange a payment plan with no penalty.
BC Hydro says some customers could also be eligible…
