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12- PORT PERRY: "WEEKEND STAR" © FRIDAY, JULY 7, 2000 By John B. McClelland Port Perry Star There were smiles and handshakes all around as Scugog and Whitby signed a formal agreement linking their two hydro electric commissions last week. The agreement - which some claim is historic, in that it may be the first of its kind in Ontario - is being hailed as a "win-win" situation for the customers of beth utilities. Called a "Services Agreement," which came into force July 1, it essen- tially allows the Scugog Hydro Commission to continue to operate for its 2,500 customers in Port Perry. Last week at a downtown Port Perry restaurant officials from both hydro commissions and elected Scugog and Whitby reps got together for a recep- tion to launch the groundbreaking agreement. 'Scugog Mayor Doug Moffatt described the agreement as "a remark- able document." And his counterpart, Whitby Mayor Marcel Brunelle, said it is based on "the elements of trust." Consumers the winners, they claim "There is nothing to fear," said Mayor Brunelle. "We can work together suc- cessfully, and everyone shares in the glow of that trust. The real story is the building of that trust. The belief in municipalities being able to share ser- vices (without) any need to take any- body over or to amalgamate." Mayor Moffatt said of the three-year agreement that it will "allow Scugog Township to continue to offer low rates and reliable services while leaving all future options open to successive councils." He went on to say that Scugog Hydro customers should con- tinue to enjoy rates "well below the average in Durham Region." In joining forces with the Whitby util- ity, which has some 25,000 customers, Scugog Hydro avoided being sold out- right to the private sector, as was the case earlier this year in Uxbridge, and just last week in Brock Township, where the utilities were sold to Viridian. That company is buying hydro utilities all . along the Lake Ontario shoreline. . About the only change Scugog cus- tomers will notice is the closing of the Hydro office in the Port Perry Plaza. All Scugog Hydro employees,includ- ing manager Terry Adderley, will con-" tinue to work under the new agree- ment. Electric bills will continue to say "Scugog Hydro," even though pay- ments will be mailed to the office in Whitby or paid in person at the munic- ipal office in Port Perry. Scugog Hydro chairman Richard Drew said last week the agreement is a "good one for everyone. We could not (continue) on as a commission on our own and this lets us grow." Ross Batten, chairman of the Whitby commission said customers have been guaranteed that hydro rates will stay level this year and next, and if the cost of buying power stays as it is, there is no reason why customers won't contin- ue to enjoy stable rates. " Both Hydro managers, Jim Lavelle of Whitby and Terry Adderley of Scugog .praised the agreement-and the process which led to its signing last week. Officials from both communities cited - Scugog municipal CEO Earl Cuddie for his work on the agreement. Officials praise Scugog-Whitby hydro deal One almost instant advantage for Scugog customers is access to a new computerized billing system, which cost some $300,000 to set up in Whitby. "And Scugog customers will share any savings from the purchase of hydro in bulk by a consortium of large hydro utilities like Whitby and Mississauga, which are both members. Mr. Drew told the Star the Scugog commission will continue to sit as a board of directors, appointed by the local council and made up of citizens of Scugog and a rep from the council. Support staff for board meetings will be supplied by the Whitby office. Mr. Batten told the reception the Whitby Commission welcomes the additional 2,400 customers from Scugog, and pledged they will be treat- ed exactly as the 25,000 Whitby Hydro customers are treated. Mr. Adderley, who will be an assis- tant manager with the Whitby utility, said last week any commission must keep the interests of its customers foremost: Stable rates and reliable ser- ABR] | J ICT [ ) ) AY ) 600 Grandview St. 1801 Dundas St. | NGI Te ETN eTole Mad FPA RU ali 0) VA RSL 1S) IV - SCUGOG FINANCIAL | SERVICES INC. ~~ [T"SWORTH THE DRIVE TO PORT PERRY! GUARANTEED.INVESTMEN.IS * Sale in effect Thursday July 6 thru July 9 - HUGE SELECTION *OUR ENTIRE ST 0CK S., Oshawa (905)436-7589 Thousands of meters, huge selection. Also to include 'selected drapery and home dec Of equal or less value, off same bolt SELECTED FABRICS ONLY mn OTS OF FREE PARKING ra i 9 1 SYA GIC RRSP. 6.050% 6.200% 6.300% 6.300% ..6.300% 6.250% 6.250% 6.300% 5.250% AFTER 120 DAYS MINIMUM $1, 000. 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