Essex Powerlines submits application to lower then raise hydro rates

EnWin smart meters can be seen in this photo taken on Friday, March, 21, 2014. (Michelle Maluske/ CTV Windsor)

Essex Powerlines Corporation is reaching out to the province’s energy board to offer residents a brief reprieve on their hydro bill.

According to a notice of application to the Ontario Energy Board, Essex Powerlines has applied to decrease how much it charges per month by roughly $0.04 for the typical household.

The application states that decrease is “due to temporary credit related to smart meter cost recovery.” If approved, the decrease would rollout on Jan. 1

However, come May 1, Essex Powerlines wants to increase the monthly rate by $0.28. The application states that the increase is because of "inflation and other factors intended to promote efficiency."

Essex Powerlines has also applied to recover the installation cost associated with smart meters. The two cases will be discussed at a future proceeding.

The public is being asked to comment on the proposed changes on the application website. The deadline for those comments is Nov. 10.