Sask. rate panel OKs $21 monthly natural gas hike, suggests break for poor
29.08.2008 14:01
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- Source: cbc.ca
Saskatchewan's rate review agency has said yes to a natural gas price hike request that will result in a $21-a-month increase for a typical homeowner one of the biggest jumps of its kind ever for the province. However, the Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel also said Thursday it wants the government to offset the hike somehow, particularly for low-income earners. The government-owned utility SaskEnergy wants to change rates on Oct. 1. It says it needs the extra money to cope with a steep rise in the cost of what it pays for natural gas. Earlier this year, SaskEnergy had proposed an increase that would translate into an extra $35 a month for the average homeowner, but that request was later trimmed to what the review panel recommended Thursday. In addition to the increase, the review panel is recommending that the provincial government consider helping people out with the hikes "through a public policy initiative or combination of initiatives." It also wants SaskEnergy to explore measures that would make energy conservation programs more affordable for low-income households. For the average homeowner who spends $1,067 a year on natural gas, the proposed increase would translate into an extra $235 a year a 22 per cent gas bill increase. An average farm customer with a $1,425 annual gas bill would be looking at paying $321 more. The proposed increase still needs to be approved by the provincial cabinet. Consumer HeadlinesListeria-linked recall list lengthensThe list of recalled meat products possibly tainted with listeria at a Maple Leaf Foods plant swelled Friday, a day after the number of deaths in the outbreak jumped to eight.Australian regulator wins case against tanning industryAn Australian court has found that statements about the effects of tanning used by the industry to promote its business are false or misleading, and has forbidden their use.Lobster business reeling from Zoom collapseThe grounding of Zoom Airlines has left a Nova Scotia lobster export business scrambling.Ontario to review propane safety in wake of Toronto explosionTwo independent experts will take a closer look at Ontario's propane safety standards in the wake of a massive explosion at a Toronto propane depot earlier this month. Brace for $1.75-a-litre gas if storms ravage Gulf, CIBC's Rubin saysToronto economist Jeff Rubin says drivers should brace for gasoline to spike to $1.75 a litre this year as storms threaten oil production in the Gulf of Mexico. Consumer Life FeaturesIN DEPTHFood safetyFrequently asked questions about listeriaYOUR INTERVIEWBack to school tipsAn expert takes your questionsSAFETYRecalls and Advisories- Water dispensers
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