Hydro Focus Group

Wednesday, 26 March 2014 17:11

Positions for three different focus groups dealing with customer issues under Woodstock Hydro are still open for the taking.

Woodstock Hydro is looking for local residents to become part of three different focus groups designed to discuss different issues important to customers and the utility.

Each group is composed of 5-to-7 members and will address three distinct customer bases -- residential, commercial and industrial customers. Elizabeth Carswell, Manager of Internal Services for Woodstock Hydro says the group will meet a few times per year to help shape Woodstock Hydro's strategic plan

"What we wanted to do is create a more formalized setting where different customers from different customer classes could meet with us and share their insight, share their ideas, make recommendations because we are all in this for the customers so they can have a cost effective solution."

This comes with news of a potential change in hydro distribution rates. Woodstock Hydro customers will likely see the utility make it's case before the Ontario Energy Board by this time next year. Elizabeth Carswell, manager of internal services for Woodstock Hydro says they're currently calculating a rate change which, if approved, would take effect sometime in 2015.

"We've had to apply for approval for rate increases for dozens and dozens of years and its a structural process where you defend why those rate increases are necessary. The Ontario Energy Board is very customer focused and very much recognizes that everything is costing a lot of money these days and some people are struggling."

Carswell says a hearing with the O-E-B will also have to involve those seeking public intervener status on any potential rate change. She says there are a number of advocates who regularly intervene on the behalf of interested groups in an effort to make sure the utility is doing the right thing every time a change in rates is needed.

Feedback in the meantime will come from three focus groups acting on behalf of residential, commercial and industrial customers. Carswell says those interested in joining can find more info on the utility's Facebook site.