Forget Earth Hour - April 1st the power's off anyway, we can save the planet that way

9 posts / 0 new

Tue, 2009-03-31 16:09

rural - Francesca rural - Francesca's picture

I don't know where this belongs.

I'm venting and ranting

Today the phone has rung off the hook with people who are being disconnected from Hydro One April 1st. April 1st Hydro One can take the restrictors off and turn everyone off.

I can't make any deals with Hydro One - I have a program that pays up to $450 but it takes time and processing.

I'm frustrated with the clients who left it to the last minute, but then I've been that broke and believed that "something" would happen, that somehow I could find the funds, or a job would start, so I get the optimism combined with head in the sand.

I've got people who owe thousands on thier hydro bill, and my small amount won't help, and if I give it to hydro in that person's name, then it's gone for another person who is only a bit behind.

In talking to one Hydro One person, she assured me that I could certainly send in the payment of $450 but it wouldn't stop the disconnect! So why the f**k would I do that?

People think charities are short on money, and we are, but it's time we truly are short on.

I need time,

Tue, 2009-03-31 16:36

remind

Sadly, many many people are going to be in that disconnect boat, here in BC too.

Maybe if enough people are marginalized there will be a massive revolt against the powers that be. Until then there appears to be no political and social will to help other than corporations, from the tax payer's dime, indeed those very same taxpayer's dimes that are getting their hydro cut off, and losing their homes.

EI has made promises to get people their money and they are not doing it.

Tue, 2009-03-31 17:28

HeywoodFloyd

Just a stupid question but: Why is the power getting shut off on April 1?

Tue, 2009-03-31 17:47

remind

Can't shut hydro off in winter months when people may freeze.

Tue, 2009-03-31 17:52

Michelle

Thanks for the reality check on life in poverty, Francesca. :(

Tue, 2009-03-31 18:00

remind

I do not think it is just life in poverty here. EI is not getting the checks out to thousands of people who have applied, having been laid off.

Tue, 2009-03-31 18:24

rural - Francesca rural - Francesca's picture

Last year we went into May with about $200 in our $7 500 heating fund.

We went through this year's money by mid Feb. When we announced we were out of funds the community responded donating $7 700, most in multiplues of $100 - very surprising.

We have heard that more $ is on the way as we've burned through almost $19 000 in heating funds already.

People are really hurting

Wed, 2009-04-01 13:14

HeywoodFloyd

remind wrote:
Can't shut hydro off in winter months when people may freeze.

Why is it being shut off at all? I still feel like I'm missing something here. (Seriously).

Sat, 2009-04-04 17:01

remind

People can't pay their enormous winter heating bills, especially those on fixed incomes.