FORTISBC RATES CAUSING EXCESSIVE FINANCIAL HARDSHIP

From January 2011 to January 2013 there have been 8 increases or adjustments on billings from FortisBC. This is a total of 17.5% in increases and 7.3% in adjustments in 2 years.  Last year also saw an implementation of a 2 tier rate paying system.

January 2013 saw in increase of 4.2% and an adjustment of 2.3%.

Pensions, fixed income and wages did not increase accordingly. Heat and electricity, necessities for a home, have become a luxury in British Columbia. Recent billings from FortisBC have skyrocketed - some customers having their bills doubled or more.  Many citizens struggling to keep a roof over their head are desperate to pay their bills are having to decide whether to buy food or heat their home.  The excessive financial hardship caused by FortisBC rates and approved of by the BC Utilities Commission must end.