To the Editor,
Re: Try to unplug for Earth Hour, Editorial, March 17.
Not only is this editorial simplistic, but it is insulting to our intelligence
Human beings are indigenous to this planet. We did not invade from Mars. Therefore, our activities, for example, building dams for hydro electricity are no different from the beavers who build their own dams across this country. Hydro electricity is clean energy and there is no reason not to use it.
So Whistler cut seven per cent of its energy usage last year during Earth Hour. So what? This is a minuscule amount of the energy we use every day.
So what really is the point of your condescending lecture? That we should all ride bicycles and eschew gas-powered transportation such as buses, ferries and jets? Should we all go back to living in caves?
All your employees should sell their cars, cycle to work, read by candlelight, and eat only locally grown produce.Otherwise, stop the proselytizing and the lectures. They smack of hypocrisy.
Linda KeaysNanaimo
To the Editor,
Has anyone noticed a substantial hike in hydro costs and billing? Are families with children, students and others left depending on government assistance more than ever? Yes. And what is one huge cause toward this hardship? B.C Hydro.
This letter might bring light to those who are in the dark about B.C. Hydro’s huge rise in rates and costs for consumers. It’s amazing, in fact, how so many people are not aware of the reasons behind the dramatic increase.
To be frank, B.C. Hydro has been in secrecy about its debt. It is said that contracts imposed on B.C. Hydro mean independent power producers receive more than double market price, up to 10 times more than they produce it for.Such a huge impact for B.C. Hydro.
But why are we, the public being left in the dark? And this I mean literally. B.C Hydro is putting families with small children and babies in the poor house. Some in bankruptcy and/or left in a position to vacate their homes, to find homes that include hydro, which are becoming obsolete because of the rate increases. This makes financial distress and mental stress.
That being said, families now are depending on assistance from the government more than ever. Seems to me that this would be affecting not only government funds, but also tax increases for us.
Myself and others seek desperately for a better hydro solution. Hydro needs to be fair again. To stop the struggle, and families’ suffering. How dare B.C. Hydro cause this impact and put it on us? And let me be frank by saying this, yes conserving energy is good, but nevertheless, would, and will not, put a dent in this solution.
Rebecca Brie CairnsNanaimo