With regards to the Jan. 20th article
headlined Mom's power turned of by Sudbury Hydro, I feel
Northern Life failed in its duty and responsibility to the
community by the way this story was presented.
Furthermore, the reporter exhibited bias
against Sudbury Hydro, and then sensationalized the story and
bias by printing it on page one.
The bias was evidenced, in my opinion, by the
fact that all the woman's allegations were printed.
Rather than address the allegations by
demanding to see Sudbury Hydro's written documentation in this
matter, the reporter presents Doug Reeve's claptrap responses
regarding hydro's "usual procedures."
Had the reporter received proof of hydro's
actions, he could have been fairer (more objective) in his
reporting. If the utility failed or refused to provide him with
written evidence of their supposed actions, this should have
been stated. Then the allegation of "no notice being given"
gains some credibility.
However, no matter what else, I strongly
doubt a hydro employee would "throw" a document at the woman or
would be "rude" to her in this situation.
He would be subject to reprimand and possible
dismissal.
Based on this woman's payment history-a
previous disconnect, and $900 in arrears just before
Christmas-the utility should have insisted on a prepaid deposit
of, say $200 along with the $900 required.
Now she is not officially in arrears in
mid-winter and she isn't disconnected in winter.
William Peter Gray
Sudbury