I would like to comment on Orangeville's Hydro bills.

In 2008 our metered water/sewer charge increased from 1.99 to 2.22 per kwh, an increase of 23 cents or 13%.

In 2009 our metered water/sewer charge was increased from 2.22 per kwh to 2.48 kwh, an increase of 26 cents or 11%. The 2009 water/sewage charges went from $5.42 to $7.00, an increase of 12%.

A 23 per cent increase over two years? Currently our hydro rates are fair, compared to other provincial towns.

However, if Smart Meters are installed customers elsewhere are paying:

Summer weekdays (May 1 to October 31), 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. 07.2 cents kwh; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 08.8 cents kwh; 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. 07.2 cents kwh; 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. .04 cents kwh.

Winter weekdays (November 1 to April 30) 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. 8.8 cents kwh; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 7.2 cents kwh; 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. 8.8 cents kwh; 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. 7.2 cents kwh; 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. (off peak hours) .04 cents kwh. Remember the good old days when our taxes included water and sewer costs?

Most seniors can pay their taxes but how will they pay the rising costs of water/sewage and Smart(?) Meters?
Thomas G. Kelly
Orangeville