March 4, 2010
Amidst Olympic frenzy, VANOC sponsor asks BCUC to raise rates

Just three days after the 2010 Winter Olympics, VANOC sponsor BC Hydro asked the B.C. Utilities Commission to approve a 9.11% rate hike.

The Crown corporation’s letter to the regulator Wednesday said it needs a 9.11% hike beginning April 1 to avoid a shortfall.

“The government is trying to claim the increase is to pay for infrastructure upgrades, but that is only part of the story,” said NDP critic John Horgan. “The fact is, the B.C. Liberals are sneaking in what amounts to a tax increase by demanding that B.C. Hydro pay the government an extra $254 million this year.”