ATCO Electric Yukon has announced its intention to comply with the directives from the territorial government by engaging a third-party investigator to examine its billing practices and procedures. This decision comes in response to numerous complaints from ATCO customers regarding significant fluctuations in their monthly electricity bills during the past winter and spring. The company acknowledged facing challenges in transitioning to a new billing system in 2023.
Energy and justice ministers of the territory emphasized the need for ATCO to appoint an investigator to address the “systemic billing issues” plaguing the company. Justice Minister Laura Lang stressed the importance of an independent review to identify the root causes of the problems and ensure fair and accurate billing for Yukon residents. She highlighted that the Yukon Utilities Board typically conducts such investigations but noted the substantial cost involved, which would burden ratepayers. Lang underscored that it is ATCO’s responsibility to fund an independent third-party review to resolve the billing issues.
With winter approaching rapidly, Lang expressed concerns about residents facing uncertainty over their electricity affordability for another season. She indicated a desire for the investigation to conclude by fall while recognizing that a thorough examination takes time.
Jay Massie, ATCO’s vice president of northern development and Indigenous relations, confirmed that the company will select an independent third-party auditor in the coming weeks. He emphasized the focus on providing customers with accurate billing information and expressed confidence that the review would shed light on the events of the previous winter.
Massie also mentioned ongoing efforts to enhance ATCO’s billing system, specifically addressing past challenges related to estimating customers’ monthly usage. He emphasized proactive measures being taken irrespective of the audit outcomes.
Meanwhile, Yukon NDP Leader Kate White criticized the territorial government for not opting for a fully independent investigation by the Yukon Utilities Board, as demanded by Yukoners. White argued that the government should ensure that ratepayers are not financially burdened by the investigation. NDP MLA Carmen Gustafson called for a comprehensive review encompassing both Yukon Energy and ATCO by an independent regulatory body to instill confidence in Yukoners regarding the impartiality of the process.