Dinn Sounds the Alarm on Another Possible Electricity Increase
- NL NDP
- Apr 23
- 2 min read
For Immediate Release
April 23, 2025
NL NDP Leader Jim Dinn (St. John’s Centre) is sounding the alarm over Newfoundland Power’s application to the Public Utilities Board (PUB) for a steep 7% rate increase, set to take effect on July 1st.
Dinn says this hike comes at a time when Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are already stretched to the breaking point by rising costs, and the recent increase to electricity that left residents frustrated this winter with the jump in price. He is calling on the provincial government to remove the HST on all forms of home heating.
“People can’t handle another increase in electricity, nor should they,” said Dinn. “This past winter, we saw the devastating impact of higher electricity costs. Families were pushed past their limits, unsure if they could afford to heat their homes the next month. Some even feared losing their homes altogether. And now, we’re facing yet another increase? It’s unacceptable.
“Saying that if the rate increase is accepted, the average monthly power bill in St. John’s would still come in lower than comparable monthly bills in Nova Scotia and PEI is, quite literally, cold comfort. People here aren’t interested in comparisons, they’re trying to survive the winter,” said Dinn. “If government truly wants to help, they should listen to the NDP and remove the HST from all forms of home heating. That would make a real difference in helping people stay warm and safe.”
Dinn argues that if Newfoundland Power is seeking this rate increase solely to boost profits for stakeholders, it is unacceptable to place that burden on residents. He maintains that the system is failing people, and meaningful change is urgently needed.
“We can’t keep putting corporate profits on the backs of people who are just trying to stay warm,” said Dinn. “Neither Newfoundland Power’s profits nor the disastrous decisions around Muskrat Falls were made by the people of this province, yet it’s the people who are left to bear the cost, often at the expense of heating their homes.
“Newfoundlanders and Labradorians should not have to choose between staying warm and making ends meet. That’s the bottom line.”
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For further information, contact Stephanie Curran, Media and Communications Officer, NDP Caucus at 330-0328 (o), or stephaniecurran@gov.nl.ca
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