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"A Family Tradition for 131 Years" Amalgamation discussed by Scugog reps Region-wide hydro board could be in place by 1998 By John B. McClelland Port Perry Star There could soon be a single hydro commission for all of Durham Region, Scugog council was told Monday after- noon. Scugog Hydro Commission chairman Don Foster and general manager Terry Adderley told council that feasibility studies of amalgamation of the eight commissions in the Region have been ongoing for some time, and a target date of Jan. 1, 1998 has been established. But Mr. Foster stressed that even though this date for amalgamation has been suggested, it has not been finalized. And the whole issue of amalgamating hydro commissions will depend on how far the province of Ontario goes with deregulation, which would open up the generation and sale of power by private companies other than Ontario Hydro. Hydro currently provides nearly all the electricity used in the province. Scugog Hydro serves customers in the Port Perry urban area. All others in the township get their power directly from Ontario Hydro. Mr. Foster said initial studies by the Durham utilities indicate amalgamation could result in saving to customers of about 1.9 per cent (or $1.90 for every $100 worth of electricity) But that would depend first on Scugog Hydro trimming some 13 per cent from its operating costs, exclusive of the cost of buying power. $ ' bab o I: als HHH HH" Pa twill pant - AHHH | HR . HH HH tals i u .. ON OUR BEST" SELLING PANT 4 ~ Women's pleated cotton ~ in a variety of fashion colours ~ from size 26 to 42 waist Regular $39.95 - $44.95 95 wil 5 denim : Sun., April 13. If amalgamation of the eight Durham utilities does take place, it will not initially include those customers in rural areas who now get power directly from Ontario Hydro. However, bringing those customers in to a new Durham-wide util- ity could happen some time around the year 2002. And employees of local com- missions would not lose their jobs invol- untarily through amalgamation. Mr. Foster stressed that the amalga- mation issue will continue to be studied in depth by a committee of the existing eight utilities, but he suggested the status quo will prevail if there is no movement by the province on overall deregulation. Scugog Hydro customers currently enjoy the second lowest electric rates in Durham Region, said Mayor Howard Hall, largely due to the fact the local commission operates very efficiently. He wondered if there would there be a loss of customer service if amalgamation took place. And would it be worth if for savings of just 1.9 per cent, asked the mayor. Scugog would have one rep on a Durham-wide commission, said Mr. Foster. Ward 3 Councillor Ken Gadsden said deregulation "may be good for some (large user customers) but the average consumer may end up paying more. Maybe we are not doing enough to oppose deregulation." sale ends WH - -- --- 4 4 A BR@CIK'S Service, Quality & Style Since 1881 168 Queen St., Port Perry 985-2521 FUSS ITLE UE TEUET Bp Gs Give GD SFE) Or OO FRET ETL GTR TRA EET 67% TET ere Er a Wo PNT EEE YTRCITOA § AONE on our entire collection of new spring Krickets coordinates for boys and girls. ~ infant to size 12 for Ki BR@CICS 176 Queen St, Fort Perry 085-5707 PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, April 1, 1997 3 CHRIS HALL / PORT PERRY STAR BUNCHES OF BUNNIES: The Easter Bunny made a special trip to the YMCA at the Scugog Community Centre last Thursday, where children had the oppor- tunity to meet him and have lunch. Here, Karyn Hill, 3, and friend Marissa Mcuntford, 3, pay a visit to the Easter Bunny and Pepper the rabbit. | gu y ® HHH t{] Kiss dal 18) - Ho | ide Hl TTL. TT ree TF a Mate ma