Increase in peak-time hydro rates has business owners worried

As of May 1, the price for using electricity between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. rose to 16.1 cents/kWh – or more than double the cost of using power during the off-peak period between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.

The change is intended to coerce consumers into using less electricity during times of higher demand.

Some business owners say they’re happy to do what they can to conserve electricity at home – but feel they have less of a choice when it comes to their businesses, which are typically open during the middle of the day.

“It’s just one more added expense for us,” says Laurel O’Gorman, owner of the Cobblestone Gallery in Waterloo.

“You can’t very well turn off a lot of things for your customers’ sake.”

Mary Beth Kennedy took over ownership of Grand River Tanning in March.

It’s traditionally the busiest month of the year for the salon, and its hydro bill reflects that.

But the most recent bill actually saw Grand River Tanning’s electricity costs go up – even though consumption decreased.

“I’m definitely concerned,” she says.

“A lot of times, we’re (busy) during mid-peak and high-peak times … so it ends up costing us a lot more.”

Both business owners say they may have to hike their prices to make up for the rising hydro costs.