Hydro One wants to increase electricity rates for residents of 21 remote communities in northern Ontario, most of which are First Nations.
The utility proposes an increase of $1.55 a month for a typical year-round residential customer.
However, government-funded residential customers would see an increase ranging from $8.90 to $13.05 a month depending on whether the community can be accessed year-round by road, rail or air.
The increase may impact customer bills for the next five years, starting May 1, 2018.
Communities affected include:
- Armstrong
- Whitesand
- Gull Bay
- Collins
- Hillsport
- Sultan
- Bearskin Lake
- Big Trout Lake
- Biscotasing
- Deer Lake
- Fort Severn
- Kasabonika Lake
- Kingfisher Lake
- Landsdowne House
- Marten Falls
- Oba
- Sachigo Lake
- Sandy Lake
- Wapekeka
- Weagamow
- Webequie
Hydro One services these areas through Hydro One Remote Communities, Inc.
Diesel generation is the prime source of electricity, but the utility also operates two run-of-the-river mini-hydro electric generating stations and four demonstration project windmills.
The Ontario Energy Board has to review any proposed rate increase.
It's holding a community meeting on Wednesday, November 29 in Thunder Bay's Victoria Inn from 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m.
In a statement, the OEB said it's to allow people to "have a say on the rate application."
Residents may also participate online (email the OEB at [email protected] to get the link) or on a conference call at 1-866-832-4445 (Pass code 4784140#).
