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News
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Time for government to address power costs to consumers October 6, 2006 |
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Kelvin Parsons, Opposition Natural Resources Critic and MHA for the District
of Burgeo-Lapoile, says it is unfortunate that government had no other
choice but to put forward $10 million to the Rate Stabilization Plan for
industry as a result of their failed negotiations to keep the Abitibi paper
mill open in Stephenville. Parsons is also reiterating his call for
government to now step forward and provide some relief for consumers who are
dealing with increasing power costs. "While it appears government had no other choice but to put forward $10 million for the Rate Stabilization Plan, this would have been an unnecessary expenditure if government’s approach to negotiations with industry produced results," said Mr. Parsons. "Unfortunately, the premier’s approach to private sector negotiations has been a dismal failure and the people of the province are the ones who continue to suffer from this inaction. "Now that government has demonstrated that they have money to invest in the electricity sector to help industry, I am calling upon the province to invest similar dollars to help keep electricity costs down for consumers. Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro has already made application to charge more for power in this province, even though consumers have already experienced significant increases over the past three years. If there is money to help lower power costs for industry, there should also be money available to avoid another rate increase for the average consumer. "As this government continues to have little success in negotiating deals with industry, the people of the province will continue to see the negative impacts. While the taxpayer is now forced to subsidize our other industrial customers to ensure they do not follow Abitibi’s lead, consumers are left in the cold with no help from government."
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