Every member of House should have to sign some kind of acknowledgement they've read this before the next sitting (Theyre back March 2). #nlpoli
Labrador customers, isolated island customers should be aware this report casts doubt on any promised protections from Muskrat associated rate hikes and asks for evaluation of the long-established govt policy on their rates
Rural island customers should be aware this report draws into question longstanding protections for you, given it calls for a review of the policy o (within the main, interconnected rate) rural customers not having to cover the cost of their service and other ratepayers covering
Everyone should be aware this casts doubt on NL ability to maintain competitive rates for heavy industry, risking presence of that industry, it's jobs and all that flows from that. Should talk more about how to approach that.
Big headline on main grid/most homes is, EVEN if successfully address the identified ways of saving 💵 & earning new 💵 to apply to rates, AND we get $200m a year every yr from feds, we're STILL short about $200 million a year(!) and sitting at 16/17 cents kwh rates by next year
At sanctioning, we were forecast to be about 15c, but... well...
To repeat, an additional $200m (atop $200m being sought from feds) would be needed to force rates down to 13.5, as premier had committed to.
Should be noted the numbers ($ needed) will change with further changes in Muskrat Falls project costs, timing and transition of Holyrood power plant, etc
It was clear, but evidence is on table in a single report: the idea ratepayers and taxpayers don't pay is an impossibility under current plan. Ratepayers pay. If they don't, and cost is addressed otherwise, taxpayers will pay by way redirected public $, &/or loss services.
Talk of any new spending by govt NL on anything has to be placed in context of all this.
There's a lot that can be said about the details, but a big piece to keep in mind is there's no luxury of time now on initial hike. It's time to hear from the feds, who will have to take heat if we're going to keep this place anywhere near the rails.
Share this Scrolly Tale with your friends.
A Scrolly Tale is a new way to read Twitter threads with a more visually immersive experience.
Discover more beautiful Scrolly Tales like this.