To the Editor:
Petition to protest Fortis two tier rate
In 2012 we invested in a costly heat pump and other energy-saving measures through the Eco-Energy program in order to reduce our energy consumption.
Our financial planner estimated that if it reduced our consumption by 40 per cent, the savings would pay for the investment within 10 years. Flash forward to the new Fortis two tier rate introduced this year; since we live in an area where there is no gas service, we are forced to use Fortis electricity for all our energy needs.
It is impossible for us to get anywhere near the average kWh rate, let alone below the 1,600 kWh threshold. As a result, even though we have reduced our kWh usage by 40 per cent, our bill has remained almost the same as it was in 2011 and 2012.
Friends with a home the same size as ours who receive both gas and electricity, and have not invested in any energy-saving measures, have a combined bill that is considerably less than ours. There are many others who have been punished for living in an area or building where there is only electrical service, or for being on a low or fixed income that makes it impossible to afford the new two tier rates or to implement upgrades.
Fortis refuses to acknowledge the unfairness of their decision. With this in mind, we have set up a petition in protest. If you have been unfairly impacted by the decision of Fortis and the BCUC to approve this discriminatory two tier rate, and would like to support the urgency of this matter, please sign your name at: http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/fortis2tierprotest.html.
We ask that elected politicians who represent affected constituents please take note and act on our behalf! We encourage people to start their own written petitions that can be circulated at drop-in centres, farmer’s markets, and other public venues.
Benjamin Manea, Naramata