A Smart Meter (BlackburnNews.com file photo by Melanie Irwin)A Smart Meter (BlackburnNews.com file photo by Melanie Irwin)
Sarnia

Local Utility Avoids Winter Disconnections

Bluewater Power says it's never been the practice of the company to shut off hydro to customers owing money in the winter months.

The comments come on the heels of Ontario Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault asking utilities to voluntarily stop winter disconnections.

Instead, the utility installs load limiters on their meters so they can still use things like the furnace and stove.

Bluewater Power CEO Janice McMichael-Dennis says they don't have much of a problem with customers not paying their bills.

"There's always a portion of your customers who will struggle to pay their bills," says McMichael-Dennis. "As electricity prices go up, that certainly increases. We have about 36,000 customers and there would be less than 20 today that would have a load limiter installed."

McMichael-Dennis says they have a great relationship with local social agencies to help ease the burden on rising electricity costs.

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