My BC Hydro bills have increased over the years and despite a mild winter have reached $400 a month.
My house is heavily insulated, so others are probably paying more.
In the northeastern U.S., hot summers result in shortages of electricity and occasional brownouts. The milder summers here mean that demand is relatively low then. It is probably about three times greater in winter.
BC Hydro has a two-step system of charges. This is supposed to encourage the conservation of power. The argument is not entirely logical.
First, most homeowners are well aware of costs and try to minimize them. Second, winter is the time for high precipitation when electricity should be most abundant. Once it goes over the dam it is lost forever. It seems possible that BC Hydro is more interested in profits than in conservation.
The provincial government is proceeding with construction of the Peace River dam. It is to cost $8.3 billion, or roughly $2,000 for every adult and child in B.C.
BC Hydro, like B.C. Ferries, is essentially a monopoly and is overseen by our government. Unfortunately, homeowners are not in a position to question either one. In spite of this, it can be suggested that families and seniors who are already suffering financially should be charged lower rates for power.
Jim DrummondQualicum Beach
