The utility has applied for a distribution rate increase of 21.5 per cent with the Ontario Energy Board.
Acting General Manager Lisa Milne says that translates to an increase of eight and a half per cent per month for the average customer using 1 thousand kilowatt hours on the total bill.
Milne says basically, the average customer’s monthly bill of one hundred dollars will jump to one hundred and eight dollars.
She says the increase is needed because Westario has not been able to recover thirteen and a half million dollars in capital expenditures over the last five years.
Milne says Westario encourages customers to be reponsible for their power consumption.
She urges people to take advantage of energy efficient appliances and lighting, to curb usage where possible, or instal a programable thermostat.
If approved, the increase would take effect May 1, of 2009.
Milne says nothing is set in stone yet, and customers can appeal the increase by contacting the OEB.
