TUESDAY
S I N C E
MAY 21, 2013
1 8 9 5
Vol. 118, Issue 79
105
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Orioles open season Page 11
INCLUDING G.S.T.
PROUDLY SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF ROSSLAND, WARFIELD, TRAIL, MONTROSE, FRUITVALE & SALMO
Higher energy rates for Fortis customers: study BY SHERI REGNIER Times Staff
A recent study is shedding light on the energy rate disparity between Fortis BC and BC Hydro. A report commissioned by the Lower Columbia Community Development Team Society (LCCDTS) determined that Fortis consumer rates are, on average, 20 per cent higher than its counterpart, BC Hydro. “Through our energy committee a study was done to compare energy rates in the Fortis service area with those of BC Hydro,” explained Mike Martin, LCCDTS chair. Martin said that the report sought to identify the reason behind the erosion of historic low rates that Fortis customers enjoyed 10 or so years ago. “On average, the
Fortis residential rate is 19 to 26 per cent higher,” he said. Although the report was completed using a limited sample size and budget, it did uncover some of the primary drivers behind the rate differences. One reason, is that Fortis has essentially completed upgrades to its distribution systems; improvements which BC Hydro has not been allowed to do. “Fortis had a very aggressive program over the last few years to complete system upgrades,” said Martin. “By government intervention, BC Hydro has not been allowed to do that.” Additionally, Martin said that a distinct advantage BC Hydro has over private utility is access to lower cost of capital through the government because every loan is backed
WATER BREAK
up by taxpayers in the province. However, the rate disparity results are marred by what BC Hydro has done “artificially” to keep its rates lower, said Martin. “A major element is the practise of a deferral account, which is a complicated accounting process,” he added. He explained that when BC Hydro’s request for a 4.5 per cent rate increase was turned down, and allowed only 1.5 per cent, (by the provincial government), the other three per cent was rerouted into a deferral account. The deferral accounting practise is where the asset or liability is not realized until a future date. “Customers don’t see the rate increase but it actually shows up in the BC Hydro books as an asset.” See REPORT, Page 3
CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY
Relay ready for take off BY VALERIE ROSSI Times Staff
The yellow daffodil will be in full bloom this Saturday, as Greater Trail cancer survivors and supportive residents turn their fight for hope into action. The 13th annual Greater Trail Relay for Life has been moved from the traditional Haley Park location to Gyro Park to freshen up the event with a new location that provides a beautiful backdrop, said Stacey Cassidy, Trail coordinator of com-
munity giving. The 12-hour non-competitive relay kicks off at 10 a.m. with a survivor’s victory lap, ending with a touching luminary ceremony in honour of those battling cancer or in memory of those who have lost their fight. Live entertainment from local talent – including Steps Dance, the Golden City Fiddlers, Tim Bourchier, Tony Ferraro and Jason Thomas – is scheduled for the full day. See TWELVE, Page 2
GUY BERTRAND PHOTO
Rossland’s Noah Best, 7, soaks up the sun and fun at Gyro Park’s spray park on Victoria Day in Trail Monday.
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