Annual rate increase time for Ontario electricity distributors

North Bay - As local electricity distributors throughout Ontario file their annual rate increase applications with the Ontario Energy Board, ratepayers will begin seeing higher hydro bills.

In its annual rate increase request, North Bay Hydro has included a claim of $187,545 for lost revenue due to a reduction in hydro usage by customers. This lost revenue was a result of customers using less energy through the purchase of energy efficient appliances and other energy saving initiatives. North Bay Hydro intends to add the amounts saved by customers back to customers bills. Also included in the North Bay application is a request for $1.2 million for income taxes from 2002 - 2006. An additional $523.000 in interest has been added to this amount making the total claim $1.7 million. During the years 2002 - 2006 North Bay Hydro collected approximately $3.6 million from customers for tax payments. During that same period they paid out approximately $1.8 million for taxes. North Bay Hydro is requesting an additional $1.7 for that same 2002 - 2006 period. Brant County Power Inc. is requesting approx $500 thousand in additional taxes including over $140 thousand in interest for the period 2002 - 2006. During that time Brant County Power appears to have paid less than $350,000 in taxes and has already collected approx $1.8 million in taxes from ratepayers. Essex Powerlines Corporation is requesting a $508 thousand charge to customers for lost revenue due to customer initiatives in reducing hydro usage. Further information concerning applications before the OEB and proposed rates in your area can be accessed by visiting the Board's website.