LETHBRIDGE – The local price of electricity in the city isn’t jumping as much as previously budgeted.
During its Nov. 23 meeting, Lethbridge City Council passed a bylaw to increase residential electricity rates by 2.1 per cent in 2016 – down from the 3 per cent bump that was anticipated earlier this fall.
A delay in an increase to provincial electrical transmission access fees is behind the lower price. Transmission access fees are a component of monthly electric bills which are charged by the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) to operate and maintain the provincial electric transmission grid.
It’s good news, but according to Mayor Chris Spearman, it’s also short term.
“We welcome any delay in electric rate increases, but this is likely only temporary relief,” said Mayor Spearman. “Provincial transmission fees have risen by double digits in recent years, and all indications are that similar hikes are on the horizon.”
Council approved several other bylaws pertaining to 2016 utility rates:
- Resident Waste and Recycling rates: no increase
- Landfill tipping fees for waste haulers: increase of $75 per tonne
- Water utility: increase of 2.5 per cent
- Sewer rates: increase of 2 per cent
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