Qulliq Energy seeks rate hike in Nunavut

The Qulliq Energy Corporation has filed an application to increase average customer power rates by 5.1% starting April 1, 2014.

Peter Mackey, president of QEC, says the move is one step towards a single power rate across Nunavut. Right now, prices vary from community to community.

"The goal or objective is over a period of four or five rate applications, we do these small increases and decreases in phase two, we eventually will move all the communities to the same equal pay," Mackey says.

Five per cent is just the average customer rate change. Some communities, such as Baker Lake, will see domestic prices jump by 10 per cent. Pangnirtung will see its commercial rate go up by 10 per cent.

Not all customers will be paying more. Domestic rates will drop in six communities, with the biggest drop - almost five per cent - in Kugaaruk. Commercial customers in 12 communities will see their bills drop, with the biggest decrease in Whale Cove, down almost five per cent.

Bills for domestic customers, eligible for the Nunavut Electricity Subsidy Program, will increase by one per cent.

The application must first be approved by the Utilities Rates Review Council, and approved by the Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation.