Hundreds of residents attend a citizen utility meeting in Medicine Hat on August 29, 2023. (Photo: Pattison Media)

By Regan Tate / Chris Brown

Frustrated utility ratepayers in Medicine Hat demand answers, relief

Aug 30, 2023 | 4:39 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Residents and business owners say they are frustrated with skyrocketing utility prices are making their voices heard.

About 400 people showed up at Higdon Hall in Medicine Hat on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, demanding action from city council.

Resident Sounantha Boss said, “The best rate possible without compromising utility revenues is a win-win for all in the City of Medicine Hat and the surrounding area.”

The comment received a huge round of applause for the organizer.

Boss and her family have owned the Thai Orchid Room restaurant in Medicine Hat for the past 17 years.

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She said her utility bills have never been as high as they are now – $3,900 was the latest one. She said that’s small compared to other businesses who have seen bills jump from $5,000 to $10,000.

Boss adds that if council doesn’t act immediately to lower rates, businesses will be forced to close.

Residents lined up to share how they are being hurt financially by the current rates, while others questioned what happened to the “Medicine Hat Advantage.”

Jennifer Janssens said rebates would be a start, but the city needs to clean up the mess they have put themselves in, adding that she wants answers.

“The fact that people have to choose between paying their power bill and eating this month or next month or for how much longer we have, it’s become ridiculous,” Janssens said. “Businesses are going to close, people are going to have to choose between feeding their children or paying their utilities. It’s come to that in our city? I would like an explanation as to why. How do they expect us to live?”

Mayor Linnsie Clark and councillors Darren Hirsch, Cassi Hider, and Andy McGrogran were in attendance.

At a special council meeting on Monday, August 28, council directed city staff to present them with options for immediate community utility and other cost pressure relief at the regular September 5 meeting. The original time for that presentation was the end of the year.

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