A Question About Residential Rates

Today's question: I have a question about residential rates. What is the reasoning behind the price per kilowatt hour increasing as you use more power? I understand on one side that this could encourage people to conserve as much energy as possible. But as a renter who is in a home with electric heat it seems unfair that I'm paying more simply because someone else made a choice to heat a house this way. In most places electric heat is considered more environmentally friendly, although in the Yukon that seems to be the opposite, as the more power we use the more diesel we use.

Thank you for your question. It is true that in Yukon, as in other jurisdictions across Canada, there are various pricing "tiers", going from least expensive to more expensive based on the amount of electricity used. You are correct that their purpose is to encourage conservation. Here in Yukon, this is especially important because once our hydro capacity is reached, we must use costly diesel to meet the demand.

Obviously I can't talk in specific terms about your rental situation as I don't know the details, but I can say that anything you are able to do to reduce your energy consumption will mean a reduction in your electricity bill. Even small things can make a difference: weatherstripping, plastic on the windows, low-flow shower heads, putting all electronics on power bars and turning them off when not in use, etc. We have some tools on our website that might give you some ideas you hadn't considered before.

As well, I'd be happy to talk to you face-to-face and work with you to find ways of reducing your electric bill. If this interests you, please email me at communications@yukonenergy.ca.