EPCOR power bills to sky-rocket

EDMONTON - EPCOR customers not locked into a contract can expect to see a nearly 65 per cent spike in their power bill this month.

"If we took 600 kW/h as typical use for a residence in a month, at this rate you can expect to pay around $70.56, whereas last month you were paying $42.50," says Tim Le Riche, a spokesperson for EPCOR. This increase will bring the "regulated" rate option close to an all-time high.

Le Riche explains that EPCOR buys power on an open market, and the recent increase is a reflection of increasing prices. The energy company also blames the sudden spike on colder-than-average temperatures and the recent closure of two power plants.

Those reasons aren't enough to convince Gary Krenz, who argues that the plants were out of commission a while ago. "It's a little much, I think we're getting ripped off, no doubt," he says. "I would think today, with the new technology, it would be cheaper to produce power than it was 10 years ago."

EPCOR officials say April is normally one of the lowest months for power consumption, so some customers may not notice that much of a difference. And those who do, may want to think about changing their ways.

"If you don't want to pay as much for power, don't use as much power," said Le Riche.

But for customers like Krenz and his wife, who already conserve power, there's not much more they can do. "We got to pay it no matter what, or they'll cut it off. Maybe I should start bringing my old coal oil lanterns back," Krenz said with a laugh.

EPCOR officials say customers can expect some rate moderation in May. Energy rates are set on a monthly basis by the Alberta Utilities Commission.

With files from Linda Nguyen