Nova Scotia's privately owned electric company is increasing the rates by about 4%. According to a CBC article, "Some have to choose between heating and eating as N.S. power rates go up again," this will be the third increase in five years and many poor residents and welfare recipitants can't afford to pay any more. The Affordable Energy Coalition, a coalition of anti-poverty and environmental groups are worried that the power utility will tie electricity prices to fossil fuel costs. They are pushing for Nova Scotia to become less dependent on fossil fuels and to focus on energy efficiency, and lower prices for low income people.

New "smart meters" being installed in some neighborhoods are supposed to encourage energy conservation by holding residents accountable for the amount of electricity they use, but because low-income tenants usually do not have access to the latest energy-efficient appliances and heating systems, they are at risk of being penalized for using older appliances, usually supplied by landlords. The current smart meter plan does not hold landlords accountable for energy useage, only individual tenants. Read more on the impact of smart meters on tenants on the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario website.

A coalition of anti-poverty groups pressure the Nova Scotia government to reduce the cost of utilities. Low income earners are living in substandard conditions due to the high cost of utilities. Read a CBC article regarding the issue of expensive utilities.

The increased cost of fuel has made it difficult for Elders and low income earners of the Yukon's Kwantlen-Dun nation to pay their energy bills. The First Nation's Director of Finance is very concerned about how those with limited resources will afford fuel during the coldest months of the year, especially since her department has already run out of fuel assistance funding. A CBC article has more information on affects increased fuel prices.

More people are having to use PEI's food bank for people with HIV and AIDS. It is argued that this is a response to the increased cost of fuel which has forced many people on social assistance to spend their food and grooming allowances on rent and utility costs. This forces many of them to turn to food banks for their meals. For more detals there's a CBC's article regarding PEI's AIDS food bank.

In response to the rise in energy costs, the Government of Canada has issued an Energy Cost Benefit to help low income families. More information on the Energy Cost Benefit is available on the Department of Finance Website.

As increasing engery costs are becoming a large strain on the poor, the National Anti-Poverty Organiztion (NAPO) is calling government, at all levels, to take action. The NAPO is concerned that government's proposed solutions do not have long term interests in mind. For more information The NAPO's full critique and suggestions are available online.

"BC PIAC has prepared a new fact sheet for customers of Terasen Gas. It should be especially useful to advocates, and to lower income customers who have problems maintaining their gas service. The sheet explains Terasen's policy on key issues like security deposits, monthly payment plans, and disconnections. It also outlines a process that customers can use if they have problems with Terasen." Read the BCPIAC Terasen Gas fact sheet (in PDF.)

"The evidence also suggests that low income Canadians use payphones substantially more frequently than others, and are thus more reliant on payphone service than are higher income Canadians. It is therefore appropriate for the regulator to take action to ensure that payphone service continues to be provided where needed." The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) on behalf of Consumers' Association of Canada, the National Anti-the Poverty Organization, and l'Union des consommateurs has filed argument with the CRTC that payphones are in the public interest and should be regulated. PIAC's executive summary of the submission and the final argument filed with the CRTC are both available online.

The British Columbia Utilities Commission has approved large rate increases for BC Gas customers in the Lower Mainland and the interior of the province starting January 1, 2001. These rate hikes will have severe consequences for people with low and fixed incomes. It could cost between $500 - $700 more this year to heat an average home with natural gas. People on income assistance, seniors, tenants and others will be forced to choose between heating their homes and buying food, medicine, clothes and paying their rents.

The federal and provincial governments are offering fuel and energy rebates to low and moderate income earners. Check the BC Public Interest Advocacy Centre's February 2001 newsletter (in PDF) for more information. If you are having difficulty with the gas company email BC PIAC.

People with limited incomes face two huge barriers to obtaining telephone service with Telus – the connection fee and the requirement for a deposit. The BC Public Interest Advocacy Centre February 2001 Newsletter (in PDF) describes Telus's policy on connection fees and recent changes to its policy on security deposits.