Council chambers were filled with people waiting to hear what council would do about utility rates at the Sept. 5, 2023 meeting. (Photo Courtesy Chris Brown)

By Chris Brown

Ratepayers react to council relief program, further investigation of rate setting

Sep 6, 2023 | 5:20 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The immediate cost pressure relief approved by city council on Tuesday is getting overall thumbs up from utility ratepayers but are still waiting for a longer-term solution.

Councillors unanimously approved a relief program totalling more than $33 million. Every residential utility account holder will receive a cost pressure relief payment of $400 on their bill for September and $200 in October and November.

“It’s about time that they give back, and that’s everywhere. It don’t matter where you’re at, our government is so screwed up it’s not healthy you know,” said one resident CHAT News spoke to.

“We’re all struggling right? Like I’m on a fixed income so for me any kind of help is a good thing, right,” said another.

“I think that’s a good idea,” said another about the relief. “I think that it’s very upsetting when you look at your utility one month and it’s x amount of dollars and the next month it’s double or more that amount of dollars. It’s kind of like what the … happened. It’s very frustrating.”

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

4h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

Council members acknowledge more needs to be done for the future and the relief payments are a bridge to a more long-term answer.

Looking for that, measures for interim “best of market” electricity rates and an investigation into how the city sets its energy rates were also passed by council.

People are eager to see a system where all ratepayers get the best rate possible.

“The people I’ve been talking to have no idea they aren’t on a fixed rate anymore so that tells you a lot right there,” said one person at the Tuesday meeting. “Is the onus on the consumer? Absolutely. You knew when you signed up that it was going to come off in June. But when the rates are what they are I think it’s just time to give us the best rate and be done.”

“I want them to give us the best possible rate without, again, without compromising their revenue because I know you need to make profit but not on the struggles of the people here in the city of Medicine Hat. We need to hear them say ‘OK cost but a little bit just to cover and have a little bit of profit,” another meeting attendee said.

“It’s a good idea for the people for everybody to get reduced rates you know everything’s gone up so yes it’s a good idea,” some one else said.

At the meeting council heard city staff will have that bylaw to council as soon as possible.