Despite concern from a number of municipalities, the Westario Board of Directors has come out in favour of the utility's current disconnection policy.
A letter to Brockton Council from Westario says the board and management recognize the increase in the number of customers who have difficulty paying their hydro bills.
A chart shows 142 customers were disconnected between January and May, but Westario says many of properties were already vacated when they were cut off.
The board believes it offers a balance by meeting the needs of the strong majority of customers, while mitigating risks for shareholders, customers and stakeholders.
Westario says they do not take a decision to disconnect a customer lightly, but only as a last resort.
The utility points out that while Hydro One does not currently disconnect customers in the winter, a significant number of municipality owned utilities in the province do cut off clients in the winter.
Westario says the utility's board, management and staff donate money to a United Way Fund to help customers who can't afford to pay their hydro bill.
