British Columbia Utilities Commission and Tyee Newsletter Advocates

Stacey Tyers: Read more: Energy, image: Sign Up for the Tyee Newsletter Advocates who work closely with people surviving on low incomes have testified to the British Columbia Utilities Commission that it is increasingly common for their clients to struggle to pay the rising cost of electricity, often with severe consequences. "My clients are aware of the recent and upcoming rate increases, and they are panicking," said Stacey Tyers, the manager of counselling support services at the Terrace and District Community Services Society, according to Tyee. Throughout 12 years of anti-poverty work Tyers has seen clients with trouble paying their electricity bills, she said. "It is definitely getting worse though," said Tyers, who also is a Terrace city councillor. "We are now seeing a much larger number of people with BC Hydro issues." Keith Simmonds, the co-ordinating minister at the Duncan United Church, said that over the past 18 months more people have sought help from the church because they can't afford to pay their BC Hydro bills. "Inability to pay rising hydro costs has a huge impact on low-income people. As Hydro Rates Climb, an Idea to Reduce Bills for Low-income Folks Advocates pitch affordability program, but minister insists rates are modest.NDP Horgan Proposes Cheaper Hydro Bills for Low-Income Residents While 'hard-working' residents struggle, gov't gives help to mining firms, leader says. Many people have to choose between paying rent, purchasing food and paying their BC Hydro bill." "Contacts about BC Hydro issues have definitely increased in recent years," said Audrey Schwartz, the executive director of Active Support Against Poverty in Prince George. The Tyee reported this week on testimony the submission included from three people who were themselves struggling on low incomes to pay their BC Hydro bills. About 79 per cent of the people who turn to the agency for help with tenancy and housing are First Nations, she said. "Our office saw a significant spike in contacts about BC Hydro issues in 2014," said Stephen Portman, the advocacy lead at the Together Against Poverty Society in Victoria. "The increasing unaffordability of BC Hydro rates for our clients means that people are unable to pay their bills, and are more often disconnected." The statements from six advocates from throughout B.C. are part of a 341-page document the B.C. Public Interest Advocacy Centre filed May 9 with the BCUC on behalf of seven anti-poverty and seniors' groups. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.