A Smart Meter (BlackburnNews.com file photo by Melanie Irwin)A Smart Meter (BlackburnNews.com file photo by Melanie Irwin)
Sarnia

Inn Director Alarmed By Power Rate Hike

The Executive Director of the Inn of the Good Shepherd is alarmed we'll soon be paying more than twice as much for power during peak demand periods than off-peak times.

Beginning May 1, the price from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. will be 16.1 cents per kilowatt hour, compared with 8 cents for off-peak hours on weekdays from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., and all day on weekends and holidays.

It's estimated the change will add $5.71 to the average monthly household electricity bill.

Myles Vanni says the elderly or those with breathing issues cannot simply turn off their air conditioners during hot muggy days.

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He says the inn has seen a sharp increase in demand from clients seeking help to pay their rent-utility bills.

Their assistance program is paying out $18,000 a month.

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