CHAT News File Photo

By Chris Brown

‘Cost relief’ credits decided by utility statement date

Sep 21, 2023 | 9:49 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Following Medicine Hat city council’s approval of a $33.2 million relief package to help ratepayers struggling with rising cost of living, some people thought they’d see the first payment on utility bills they’re receiving this week.

The city says it’s based on the bill processing date, not when you received it.

If the utility statement date in the top-right corner of your bill is before Sept. 18, then the bill was processed before that date and will not include the credit, says the city.

If the date is on or after Sept. 18, the first credit should be indicated on the statement.

You can call the city’s customer care team at 403-529-8111 if you’re still unsure.

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The city’s cost pressure relief program gives residential utility account holders a total of $800 on their utility bills. Half of that is being distributed in the Sept. 18 billing cycle and $200 on each of the next two bills.

The credits are automatically applied to utility bills, as that was deemed by the city the most efficient and cost-effective delivery method.

Those who are part of a condo association or other housing-based association are eligible for the relief.

Small and medium businesses are also getting relief and will receive credits totalling $2,000 on the same schedule as the residential.

The city is also automatically waiving late penalty, NSF and disconnect notice fees on all utility accounts from June 1, 2023, to Sept. 18, 2023, inclusive.