Utterson resident takes action against what he calls Hydro One's over-billing practices

Residents still have issues with Hydro One and the corporation’s billing practices. For the past year, customers have complained about over-billing, including malfunctions with the smart meters. Mark, from Utterson, who did not want to provide his last name says their hydro bill is unbelievable.

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Mark has sent a letter to Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Norm Miller’s office asking if this issue will be a focus at the legislature. Meantime, last week’s report from the auditor general addressed the smart meter program. Miller says the program was suppose to cost $1-billion.

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Miller says he has received many complaints from constituents like Mark. Mark says he’s hoping that other residents will get involved and write a letter to Miller’s office.

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Mark is also asking Miller if he will be taking residents’ concerns to the legislature. Miller says it has been discussed since the auditor general addressed the smart meter program in her report last week.

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The smart meter program was supposed to encourage resident to use electricity during non-peak times. However, the auditor general’s report indicated peak time use has actually increased. The auditor general also wrote there is a global adjustment charge that makes up almost 70 per cent of electricity bills for residents who pay time-of-use pricing. This adjustment increased by 1,200 per cent between 2006 and 2013.  Meanwhile, Mark also asked in his letter if there was any chance he and others like him will see a refund. Miller says he’s pretty sure on his answer.

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The Legislature will be back in session in February.