Former Ottawa mayor disappointed in hydro response to call for small business help
Posted Oct 15, 2020 03:53:00 PM.
A former mayor, who called for a moratorium on hydro disconnections for small businesses unable to pay their bills during the pandemic, is disappointed by Hydro Ottawa's response.
In a draft letter, obtained by 1310 NEWS, Hydro Ottawa Board of Directors Chair Jim Durrell writes that Hydro Ottawa is there for small businesses and is willing to work with them.
“In an effort to assist in easing the stress and fear that many are facing, we have and continue to offer flexible payment plans to provide customers with more time to pay outstanding balances on their account if needed,” Durrell writes. “We also want to remind customers experiencing financial hardship that we offer several financial assistance programs, including emergency relief and support through the provincial COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program.”
The intial call, from former Ottawa mayor Larry O'Brien, was for a moratorium on hydro disconnections for small businesses unable to pay their bills during the pandemic.
“The letter that was written and sent to me, was written by some bureaucrats,” said O'Brien. “It's the politcal side of Jim Durrell that sent that letter, not the businessman.”
O'Brien has also called on Hydro Ottawa to waive penalties and interest accrued by small businesses for the duration of the pandemic.
“The Ottawa library has done that; why can't Ottawa hydro,” O'Brien asked during his Thursday appearance on 1310 NEWS' The Rob Snow Show. “In very specific circumstances, just waive the fees; it's not a big number to Ottawa hydro.”
O'Brien estimates that waiving late fees and penalties would cost “hundreds of thousands of dollars,” compared to the $22.6-million dividend Hydro Ottawa paid the city in 2019.
Durrell's letter does not directly address O'Brien's moratorium call, but does write that Hydro Ottawa is part of “a heavily regulated industry and it's important to note that uncollected bills and bad debt are socialized across our entire customer base.”
