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A Family Tradition for 132 Years" -- En as FR A -- wt li. PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, June 23, 1998 - 15 Hydro billing change criticized Chalk Lake Rd. resident argues that new bills from Ontario Hydro could confuse and even cost seniors, social service dependents money By Chris Hall Port Perry Star Billing changes made by Ontario Hydro might be confusing to seniors, a Chalk Lake Rd. resident says. Barry Clark said billing changes introduced this month don't affect him much, but could cause some problems for seniors and other peo- ple relying on social assistance. "My bill's been due at the end of the month for years," he said last week. "Now it's due on the 19th and if you don't pay by then, they'll add 5 per cent more; it's not inter- est, it's a penalty. "They just voted themselves a 5 per cent increase in rates, with no opposition. There are hundreds... of seniors and other people out there who do not get their cheques PORT PERRY BIA (DI J Nan BN \V/ | ESF Sponsored by the PORT PERRY) until the end of the month and because of the change, they'll have to pay more each month unless they save their bill money for a whole month. This stinks." Mr. Clark, who received his bill on June 10, said that while the new-look bill is easier to read and understand, he doesn't like the fact that he was given only nine days to pay, or face the late charge. "Why are they being so pushy?" he asked. "They're getting their money." John Earl, a media spokesperson for Ontario Hydro, admits that there are a few bugs in the new billing process, but said the utility 1s willing to work with its customers to make sure everyone's happy. Mr. Earl said that some people will notice a change in the due OUR ANNUAL MNMoornficgg fre ia a-------- date. If it's an inconvenience, Ontario Hydro will make an attempt to change it. "Everyone's billing date across the province is different. We've divided it up because we can't issue them all the same day," he said, noting that more than 60,000 hydro bills are mailed out each day. Anyone who has a problem can call Hydro's accounting'department at 1-888-664-9376. "If we can set up specific dates - -and I can't promise anything -- for people to pay which would be advantageous for both sides, then I don't see a problem with accommo- dating the request," he said. The extra charge for late accounts has always been noted on the bills and is not a change, said Mr. Earl. HIGH FLYER: The first annual Float and Fly will be held this weekend (June 27-28) on the shores of Lake Scugog behind Reid's Independent Grocers between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Skip Pothier, above with his plane, says there will be plenty of MAAC pilots on hand to show off their float planes. | DOWNTOWN PORT PERRY in Town! a Ser Best Deals %, savings coming at you! Thursday, June 25th SHOP TILL' MIDNIGHT throughout participating merchant locations in downtown Port Perry * Great Deals Big Bargains & a lot of fun! 7 SANOONLIGHT = MADNESS Continuous Markdowns on Sidewalk Sale & Instore Sale Thursday, UT IE | __ Ei Merchandise 7 A %< By 11 O'Clock pm some items will almost be FREE! 3< Fantastic Hourly In-store Specials Superb Country Shopping Eastern Canada's Retailer of the Year 183 fducen St., Port Perry (905) 985-8234 Open 7 days a week The Shops have gone MAD with their specials! VQ