Let them eat cake. That's the kind of absolute disdain Nova Scotia Power's executives are dishing out.
On Tuesday it was revealed that the top brass of the province's power utility were treated to a swank party the day after the company proposed to, once again, in less than a year, hike its rates.
We, along with most Nova Scotians, have been highly critical in the past week of this corporation that has a stranglehold on us all. But the criticism bears repeating, especially when a new side of their arrogance is revealed every couple of days.
Premier Darrell Dexter put it much too mildly in describing as "poor judgment" and a "lack of sensitivity" the event last week at a waterfront restaurant for executives and the board of directors. Considering that some people struggle to pay their power bill, yes, we don't need that rubbed in our faces.
Poor judgment, but what are this province's leaders going to do about something that's turned into a perennial headache?
The party revelation also comes just after news of rich compensation packages to NSP execs - whose continual fallback position to be profitable is hike prices.
Many Nova Scotians would like to see a return to a public utility. That's highly unlikely, though, and in all likelihood private enterprise can do a better job - potentially. But it would be good to see that point debated as well.
Liberal Opposition Leader Stephen McNeil and Conservative Leader Jamie Baillie both suggested the Utility and Review Board examine those executive salaries - something Dexter conceded is possible in any application for a rate hike.
McNeil also said the premier should appear before the Utility and Review Board to oppose the proposed rate increases.
If any of these are options, get 'er done. We are sick of this.
Also, while you're at it, inject some wherewithal into the Utility and Review Board. It's time they learn there's such a word in the English language as 'No.' Sometimes it's warranted.
Scratch My Back I just thought i would inform you that if you do a little research you'll find out that the power being generated by the Sprott energy group is being sold out of our province and not going to gain us any reduced power rates unless we are shareholders in Sprott energy!