Keeping Hydro Was a Huge Decision for Halton Hills Council

Two years ago there was a push for many communities to sell their Hydro Utility. Many of did such as Caledon, Brampton just to name a few. The Town of Halton Hills could have sold ours and maybe got paid millions. Sounds good. But what happens at the end of the a 10 year period or so and you spend the money what then. Well you would be paying your local Hydro bills to a faceless corporation making major decisions and we would have little input or say. Perhaps all local employees of the Hydro would be let go. I believe that you don't heat your home by burning your furniture.

Two years ago Halton Hills council approved a strategic review of Halton Hills Hydro. The review said that it is a valuable asset and it is in the best interest of Halton Hills citizens to retain their local utility.

In 2009 Halton Hills Community Energy Corporation was created as a holding company of Halton Hills Hydro to go along with Southwestern Energy Inc. Hummingbird Wireless. the thrust is to have a community focus with viable subsidiaries.

Today we have a dedicated board of directors who provide leadership and corporate governance to our group of companies. Our board is made up of all local residents and that enables the community aspect to be delivered at our board meetings. Our board is comprised of myself, Anne Lawlor, Graeme Goebelle, Mark Burrows, Chris Cameron, Randy Hammell, Michael O'Sullivan and Town CAO Dennis Perlin.

Now about Hydro rates. We all know that electricity prices are increasing in a large part due to the increase in commodity prices as of May 1 and the inclusion of HST on your bills as of July 1st. I still don't know what possessed the Provincial Government to put HST on heating or cooling your home as this is essential service.

To add to this, we had one of the hottest summers in decades and I know many of you, including yours truly, used your air conditioner. Expect a high hydro bill. Your hydro bill will have all the consumption information with comparison to last year.

If any of you have any questions please call 519-853-3701. At Halton Hills Hydro we encourage all customers to learn more about conservation initiatives at Halton Hills Hydro at www.haltonhillshydro.com