I am writing in regards to the Red Deer Advocate article Central Alberta man questions extra charges on his electricity bill published on Nov. 10.
Something is wrong with a system in which the product is worth $0.91 and the distribution and transmission total $91.07 (as stated in the article). And while on the topic how are these two charges differentiated? They sound like the same thing to me. Perhaps a little education of their Alberta customers is in order? An explanation of these costs i.e. who does this money ultimately get to and will there ever be an end or reduction of these charges or just further gorging of the population who already can’t afford milk for their children.
Electricity and hydro are both basic human needs especially in Canadian winters and the billings for both are beyond heartless. With so much unemployment and closing up of businesses people are struggling simply to keep their homes. Shelter being another basic need by the way. It is easy to see that empathy is a word that the privileged are not familiar with. Walk a mile in the shoes of underprivileged, I dare you.
I agree with George Scotton (in the article) that power is at a just and reasonable rate and the idea that owners of distribution and transmission companies have “reasonable opportunity to earn a fair return on their investment” but, their charges are not reasonable or just as evidenced by their billing. It seems way beyond the concept of just and reasonable to consumers. How much money is enough?! When will it end?
Donna Holliday, Red Deer