The Greater Sudbury taxpayers are really
taking a ride in this term of office. It's not enough that
taxpayers had to try to deal with the logic of more tax
increases, sewer and water rate increases, service cuts, a
costly recount court case and lately, a windfall and award for
early management retirees.
Now we are facing a new dilemma and confusion
about our local utility services acquiring West Nipissing
Energy Services. Is this another sound investment? Before we go
any further on purchasing an outside troubled utility, how
about someone explaining to the taxpayers the sound investment
in the co-generating plant in downtown Sudbury about eight
years ago with Mayor Gordon at the helm. Has this project of
millions of dollars succeeded or been silently brushed away
under the carpet?
I heard two councillors so far mention that
Hydro One customers pay 15 to 75 percent more in electrical
charges versus Greater Sudbury Hydro. Please explain the facts
you've recieved to back up those figures. I could tell you that
I am both a Sudbury Utility and Hydro One customer. I compared
two billings. Once I calculated both utilities with the same
KWH consumption, I've noticed with Sudbury Utilities a billing
of $81.76. On the other hand, with Hydro One, my billing
amounts came to $70.30.
As a Hydro One customer, I am pleased and
happy with the services I receive. I wonder if the residents of
Capreol are happy with their Greater Sudbury utilities, or if
they'd rather return to Capreol Hydro?
Now for the acquisition of West Nipissing
Energy Services. If that utility is troubled, perhaps it's
because their customer base is too small in a large rural area,
KWH rates are too low, and the cost of staff is too much or
they are overstaffed. How do we stabilize this utility? Raise
rates (under certain provincial regulations) or have layoffs.
If this fails, Greater Sudbury Utilities customers will cover
the cost. Please don't pursue purchasing the Hydro One customer
base. We are fine here.
Roger Trottier
, Valley East