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Epcor’s increases

I am exasperated to hear of the decision by the comptroller to grant the Epcor corporation rate increases of 38 per cent.

I am exasperated to hear of the decision by the comptroller to grant the Epcor corporation rate increases of 38 per cent over the next three years.

Why would someone who is supposed to represent the citizens in such matters rubber stamp such exorbitant rate increases? I can not think of anything else that has seen such inflation to date.

We must presume that there is an honourable person in the position and therefore no graft or kickbacks are involved, but how could Epcor possibly justify such onerous rate hikes?

I believe the whole process should be subject to public scrutiny given the results.

There is a simple way for the public to express their disapproval: don’t pay your bill, at least until the 29th day of the billing period. That might get their attention, but would only be a minor blip on their system. They are obviously desperate to improve on the paltry $141 million dollar profit its share holders experienced in 2013, the latest year reported.

Perhaps our provincial government might be willing to accept a small portion of these profits by doing the right thing and buying out Epcor, but I’m not optimistic about that possibility.

A better way is to voice your opinions to the comptroller, your provincial MLA and the minister of the environment whose responsibility it is to oversee such matters. You can reach Comptroller Glen Davidson via his secretary: Rick.Couroux@gov.bc.ca or 250-387-6949; Environment Minister Honourable Mary Polak, ENV.minister@gov.bc.ca or 250-387-1187; Honourable Michelle Stilwell, michelle.stilwell.mla@leg.bc.ca or 250-248-2625.

Contacting Epcor (frenchcreek@epcor.com or 250-951-2460) would likely have little effect. Thank you for your attention and prompt contact of the officials involved in this decision.

Richard BothwellQualicum Beach