Thing$ Are Going North $$: Hydro costs are climbing

The headline in this morning’s issue of the Free Press reads ‘Hydro costs climbing 8%’ but when you read the article you’ll find your total hydro bill will soon be going up more than that.

Yes, there’s an 8% increase in domestic electricity costs starting May 1. (The increase will be lower if your so-called smart meter is installed - 5.8%).

However, in July the Harmonized Sales Tax comes into play, so the tax on the higher hydro bill will also rise - by, coincidentally, another 8%.

There’s more good news.

About the 8% hike on May 1, the news article says:

“It’s the latest in a series of hikes that include an additional $5 per month on hydro bills by 2012 as part of an $8 billion plan to create more renewable energy in Ontario.”

If we’re already paying the extra 5 bucks, sorry. I missed that one. Let’s call it the renewable energy fee.


["Looking for a small house in the country - away from it all?": photo GAH]

There’s more good news.

“There is also a new charge to help cover $53 million of the Liberal government’s conservation and green-energy program... and is expected to add about $4 a year to the average electricity bill.”

Let’s call that the conservation fee.

In conclusion, two things.

If you haven’t been planning to unplug 10 - 20% of your electrical appliances once the smart meters are turned on (Sept., I think), you should start doing so soon.

Also, begin to shift your heaviest electricity demands to weekends before 7 a.m. or after 10 p.m. weekdays.

Just a thought.

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Watt?

Just a thought, I said.

Please click here to read about more things going north $$.

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