NB Power wants to increase its rates for night lighting, but its proposal is opposed by the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick.
The organization denounces the tariff proposal that it considers unfair. “New Brunswick Power, in the current hearings on the 2018-2019 rates, is proposing a tariff that will have a revenue-to-cost ratio of about 195%, almost double,” said Margot Cragg, Executive Director of the Union des municipalités. .
In fact, according to the organization, the municipalities will get a lot more out of their pocket than the crown corporation, and the real payers will be the residents.
“It’s the residents in the municipalities who will pay with their taxes and who will lose if the municipalities can not provide the infrastructure used every day,” said Margot Cragg.
NB Power wants to increase its rates for night lighting, but its proposal is opposed by the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick.
The organization denounces the tariff proposal that it considers unfair. “New Brunswick Power, in the current hearings on the 2018-2019 rates, is proposing a tariff that will have a revenue-to-cost ratio of about 195%, almost double,” said Margot Cragg, Executive Director of the Union des municipalités. .
In fact, according to the organization, the municipalities will get a lot more out of their pocket than the crown corporation, and the real payers will be the residents.
“It’s the residents in the municipalities who will pay with their taxes and who will lose if the municipalities can not provide the infrastructure used every day,” said Margot Cragg.
Richibucto will also feel the discomfort in case of new pricing upward.
“Now, there is one thing that is certain because at some point, depending on what it represents as cost, it will be necessary to make assessments to know how one responds to these needs, to these financial realities” says Roger Doiron, Mayor of Richibucto.
The quality of infrastructure and the provision of services could take a hit. The Union of Municipalities calls for equity among its members and NB Power.
“We told CESP:” You guys said there’s a principle that says the recipe-cost ratio should be about the same. “It’s clear that right now, what is being proposed is not following not your principle. What are you going to do? Asks Margot Cragg.
The Energy and Utilities Board (CESP) is giving itself until April to address the demand from municipalities.
By email, NB Power acknowledges the concerns of municipalities.
