Interim Hydro Rate Application Reduced by $50 Million
27/09/2017
Manitoba’s Public Utility Board (PUB) said no to rate shock on July 31, 2017. While Manitoba Hydro sought a 7.9% interim rate increase worth approximately $88 Million, the PUB lowered the proposed application by more than $50 Million.
The Public Interest Law Centre of Legal Aid Manitoba (PILC) represented Manitoba residential consumers at the interim rate hearing before the PUB. It argued that the interim rate increase was not justified because Hydro is forecasting $92 Million in net income for the current year even with a no rate increase.
Byron Williams, Director of PILC stated that while the rate increase “still imposes significant hardship on stressed household budgets, it sends a message that Hydro could not back up with evidence its claims of imminent financial emergency.” Mr. Williams observed that “Manitoba consumers should not have to pay the price for poor hydro management decisions.”
Manitoba Hydro is still seeking a 7.9% final rate order for 2017/18 and an additional 7.9% rate increase for 2018/19. The total impact of these rate applications would be well over $200 Million. Manitoba consumers concerned about rate increases of this magnitude can make their viewpoints by writing to the Manitoba Public Utilities Board at http://www.pubmanitoba.ca/v1/contact-us/pub-complaint-form.html
