MONTREAL — Hydro-Quebec’s smart meters are coming under fire again.
This time it has nothing to do with the debate surrounding the risks to public health.
READ MORE: Fighting Hydro-Quebec smart meters
Consumer groups are ringing the alarm bells about the ease with which Hydro-Quebec workers can cut electricity to customers who’ve defaulted on their bills.
“With the smart meters Hydro-Quebec can cut the energy service with the switch of a button,” Olivier Bourgeois of Option Consommateurs said.
The energy analyst for the consumer protection group says that in the past, workers had to go to a customer’s home to cut the electrical supply.
The number of people who’ve had their electricity cut has increased to more than 51,000 this year — up from 37,000 in 2013.
READ MORE: Protests continue against Hydro-Quebec smart meters
Bourgeois worries that Hydro-Quebec is cracking down too hard on middle class workers who’ve had trouble paying their bills.
“We’ve seen in the last few years a decreasing of payment plans agreements so Hydro-Quebec is getting tougher on its clients,” he said.
But Hydro-Quebec officials dispute the claims.
Nathalie Vachon insists more payment plans have been offered to customers this year compared to last year but that includes middle income and lower income customers.
And the company spokesperson says the frigid temperatures of last year pushed up consumption levels and costs for many customers.
“Hydro-Quebec is open to work out agreements with their customers,” Vachon said.
By law, Hydro-Quebec can’t cut electricity to customers between December 1 and the early spring.
The company is seeking an 3.9 percent rate hike as of April 1, 2015.
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