Mr. Speaker, today my Member’s statement is in regard to an elderly couple who received a power bill for the month January 19, 2010. The amount was $1,824.82. This power bill, Mr. Speaker, was not past due. They called NTPC Inuvik three weeks ago and asked them why their power bill was so high. They said they’d get back to them. Mr. Speaker, they never did. Their daughter physically took the bill and drove it with her to Inuvik, brought the same bill to the Inuvik office. They said they’d get back to her. And, Mr. Speaker, they never did.
This power bill was due February 9. Mr. Speaker, they didn’t want their power turned off, so they paid the bill. The couple who both receive senior pensions have not been doing anything out of the ordinary in their home to receive this power bill amount that’s unheard of.
Mr. Speaker, this couple is 82 years old and she’s 73. They own their own home. They take care of their ordinary bills accordingly. How much of this is their own power bill? This question arises in the communities more than the weather, Mr. Speaker. Steadily, people are talking about the power bill and the high cost. This question arises in the communities more often. I have questions many times. A timely response from a Crown corporation such as NTPC is something we should rightfully expect.
Mr. Speaker, it would not normally happen while the matter is being investigated. The couple did eventually receive a 48-hour disconnect notice and an administration fee notification of $45. Mr. Speaker, this is only one couple and I am sure there are others out there going with the basics of foods and utilities because of their power bills, Mr. Speaker. There are many responsible community people that take great pride in paying their own way, but surely there must be some way the Minister responsible for the Crown can expedite this matter. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted.
Does NTPC still award the management with bonuses? The perception at the community level of the Crown corporation is that it’s gouging the customers to pay senior management bonuses. Considering the poor economic opportunities, this seems to present a negative corporate image by the association of this government. I will have questions for the Premier at the appropriate time. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Jacobson. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.
