After learning that Manitoba Hydro will increase rates for many Indigenous customers living on reserve, MKO states it’s disappointed in the decision.

 

Hydro rates will go up by 6.5 per cent on Sept. 1.

 

This comes after the Public Utilities Board directed the crown company to create a First Nations on Reserve Residential customer class, which would have froze hydro rates for that class.

 

Manitoba Hydro appealed this decision, and the court decided that the PUB couldn’t create the customer class, and those who were in the former customer class will see an increase of $15 per household.

 

Grand Chief Garrison says increasing rates for Hydro during a pandemic is unacceptable.

 

Settee explains he’s concerned the increase may end up being more that $15 a month, given people are being told to stay home and maintain physical distance in response to the pandemic.

 

He goes on to explain that he doesn’t want people to have to choose between purchasing food and turning their heat on in their homes.

 

Settee urges the provincial government to address these issues and to develop a program to address energy poverty issues for residents living in northern Manitoba.