September 23, 1999

To:Chair and Members

North York Community Council

Re:Toronto Hydro Rate Increases to North York Residents

I have been advised that Toronto Hydro has introduced a new billing structure that increases rates for North York residents I do not recall dealing with this matter at any previous Community Council meeting.

Furthermore, residents were not given any notice, other than in the North York Mirror of the increase or an option to defer or phase in the increase and another increase is due some time in January 2000.

I am attaching for your review a letter I have written to the Policy and Finance Committee. I would like to have this matter dealt with by North York Community Council at the next meeting held on October 12, 1999.

Sincerely,

Howard Moscoe

Councillor, City of Toronto

North York Spadina

HMbd

September 22, 1999

Mayor Mel Lastman

Chair, Policy and Finance Committee

Dear Mr. Mayor:

I have been informed that Toronto Hydro has increased their rates effecting several residents across the greater Toronto area. Toronto Hydro has claimed it has remained revenue neutral and yet some residents have received increases and others decreases.

The reason provided for this is due to the amalgamation of 6 different rates and billing systems. Toronto Hydro also claims that direction was given by the City of Toronto to implement a new rate structure however I do not recall this matter coming before Council.

It is also my understanding that residents were not given any advance notice of the increase and received their new inflated bill with an insert explaining the new rate structure. Furthermore, residents will be facing yet another increase in January 2000.

I am interested in having the following questions answered:

1)Was this matter before Council or a Committee?

2)Was the new rate structure reviewed and approved by Council or a committee?

3)Why were residents not given any advance notice?

4)Have residents been advised of the proposed increase in January?

5)What products or services are offered to increase energy efficiency, and in turn, offset the rate increase to residents as they claim?

I am requesting that this matter be placed as an agenda item at the next Policy and Finance Committee meeting being held on October 14, 1999 at 10:30am so that I can address the committee on this matter.

Sincerely,

Howard Moscoe

Councillor, City of Toronto

North York Spadina

cc:Patsy Morris, Committee Administrator