Terrace City Council’s latest regular meeting saw them hold a discussion about a proposal for Pacific Northern Gas to increase their rates in their west division that spans between Prince Rupert and Summit Lake.
PNG said in their own statement on the matter that the increases is a way for them to recover deferred costs while also being spurred on by a reduction in industrial demand and higher operating costs.
In a recent interview with Terrace Mayor Sean Bujtas, he said that Councillor James Cordeiro brought up a point during the discussion to illustrate why PNG might’ve seen a reduction in users;
“He pointed out that the provincial government has been really pushing heat pumps across the province. Which is making less and less people use the natural gas and switching over to electricity.”
Mayor Bujtas also confirmed that he’s heard the thoughts of local residents on the rate hikes and they aren’t exactly thrilled about it;
“A lot of people are upset and disappointed about these rate hikes and I can’t say that I blame them. It just feels like another northern tax as we continue to pay higher rates for things, unlike the folks in the lower mainland.”
Bujtas sent a letter in June to BC Premier David Eby protesting the proposed 53 percent hike and BC Energy Minister Adrian Dix recently delivered a response.
Dix’s letter mainly explained that that these rates fall under the jurisdiction of an independent agency called the BC Utilities Commission and that these increases would have to be justified by the Commission before they could be approved.
Bujtas called the response dismissive and was not surprised by it;
“It’s disappointing that the province doesn’t look at these northern areas and make exemptions for us, knowing full well that we’re going to pay higher rates, comparable to folks in the south.”
PNG also mentioned in their statement that know they’re responsible for efficiently manage their costs while ensuring that they provide safe and reliable service to their customers.
They encouraged anyone with questions or concerns to contact their Customer Care Team so they can come to the best possible solution.