Recently the BC Utilities Commission — under the request of Premier Christy Clark — instructed B.C. Hydro to put a hold on the rate increase that was proposed for April 1.
The halting of the 9.73 per cent increase was requested so that more clarity of the process and an explanation for the increase can be provided and, if possible, this rate increase can be lower than the current proposal.
Premier Clark has stated that her approach to government will be a holistic and open one, and this is another example of making sure that happens.
This review is a step towards making sure that unnecessary burdens are not being placed on families in British Columbia.
While it is too early to tell what specific measures might be possible to ease this burden, Rich Coleman, the minister of energy and mines, will be working with B.C. Hydro to see what he can do towards reducing the increase.
We also need to keep in mind that B.C. Hydro has to make investments to maintain our current hydro infrastructure and ensure that jobs are supported, while making sure we keep our rates amongst the lowest in North America.
Premier Clark has made a commitment to make sure that these decisions are communicated broadly to the public and that the B.C. Utilities Commission reviews them via its open public hearings.
Whatever the result, it is clear that this government is making strides toward fulfilling the promise of a family first agenda.
Reviewing the hydro rate hike will keep B.C. an economic leader within Canada and create jobs, while ensuring affordable services for families.
Donna Barnett is the Liberal MLA for Cariboo Chilcotin.
