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From: jschonhoffer@netscape.ca [mailto:jschonhoffer@netscape.ca]
Sent: August 18, 2009 9:50 AM
To: BoardSec
Subject: Notice of Application and Hearing...



I have read the published Notice and the attachments at the HydroOne website and have the following comments.



I cannot calculate the impact on our household based on the figures provided in the Application. There is a substantial range of percentages quoted, from a decrease of 20.8% to an increase of 28.3% for 2010 and a decrease of 23.5% to an increase of $25.9% for 2011. However, there is no information that I could find that indicates what we will be paying in the future.



Our house has no furnace and is electrically heated, so the classification is Residential High Density. Based on delivery charges of $1,062.48 for the billing period Aug 15/08 to July 15/09, we could see, for 2010, a decrease of $221 or an increase of $301. That is a spread of some $522, a very significant number for people, like ourselves, on a fixed modest income. For 2011 the numbers would be similar.



We consider ourselves to be very conscious of conservation and have little ability to reduce our consumption any further.



All this comes on top of the HST being imposed July, 2010 and the rate increases already passed on by the OEB earlier this year. Once Smart metering comes into effect, costs will no doubt be higher as the On-peak rate will be levied precisely when people need electricity the most. Even Mid-peak rates are higher than current rates, so unless you sleep during the day and perform all the necessary household functions on the Off-peak period, you will be paying more.



Nobody likes to pay more for services and I don't begrudge HydroOne for reasonable, inflation based increases. But It has come to the point where electricity costs are more like a car or mortgage payment and the burden is becoming excessive.



At this time we would appreciate a response from someone who can inform us as to the impact of the Rate Change on our household.



Thank you.



John and Glenda Schonhoffer

39 Woodland Estate Road

RR 4

Campbellford, K0L 1L0





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