Enbridge 40% natural gas hike OK’d

QMI AGENCY

PETERBOROUGH, Ont. - As if the long, cold, snowy winter wasn't enough, now you are going to pay more for it.

The Ontario Energy Board has approved a 40% hike in natural gas rates for Enbridge Gas Distribution customers that will take effect Tuesday, boosting the average residential customer's annual bill by about $400 a year.

The hike is the result of Enbridge running out of its negotiated supply of gas for the winter and having to go to the open market for further supplies.

Enbridge Gas Distribution's gas supply charge will increase from 12.68 cents per cubic metre to 17.60.

The changes would result in an overall increase of about $33 a month over the next year, according to Enbridge.

See full story at:  Sun News - http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/canada/archives/2014/03/20140328-213420.html

Okay, where is the outrage ... From politicians ... From the public?

Suppose a company other than from the gas and oil sector, or credit card and banking industries, asked consumers (nay, demanded) a 40% increase because it had miscalculated " its negotiated supply .... and [had] to go to the open market for further supplies," it would probably be laughed right out of business. But not a gas company. Indeed, it was given the blessing of one of those appointed bodies (Ontario Energy Board) that are paid big bucks [Chairman Rosemarie T. Leclair made $503,171.33 in 2013] to scrutinize such things on behalf of the public.

It is an outrage, and better not feel smug if you deal with another supplier--including oil--because with this decision the die has been cast. So tell Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Energy, to

STOP THE BULL!